Why does silver tarnish?

 

Silver doesn’t rust, but over time it can lose its shine and start to darken. What you’re seeing is a thin layer of silver sulfide forming when silver meets tiny amounts of sulfur in the air. It might look like damage, but it’s actually a normal part of how this metal ages.

This darkening doesn’t mean your jewellery is low quality, ust the opposite. Sterling silver is a “noble” metal that resists corrosion, so that tarnish is your silver’s way of reacting with its environment. Perfume, lotions, makeup and even sweat all speed up the process, and everyone’s skin chemistry is unique—that’s why the same ring might stay bright on a friend but settle into patina on you.

To keep your pieces looking their best, store them somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Your Makai pouch or a drawer in your room is perfect. Before you tuck them away, fasten each chain so they don’t tangle. And skip the bathroom, humidity is jewellery’s worst enemy. 

With a little care, wearing your silver every day and keeping it clear of harsh chemicals, you’ll barely notice any darkening. And if it ever needs a quick refresh, our “How to Clean 925 Sterling Silver” guide has simple steps to bring back that sparkle.

Enjoy your jewellery as much as we enjoyed making it!