Why has my silver turned black?

If your silver jewellery has turned black it means that it has oxidised. It does not mean that your silver is fake.

Oxidisation, also known as tarnishing, is a natural process that occurs when the alloy composition of copper in sterling silver reacts with chemicals in the air and on your skin. 

Why does jewellery oxidise? 

Air contains sulphur compounds and when they come into contact with the sterling silver, it begins to blacken.  The blackened metal is silver that has turned into a silver sulfide. 

Exposure to cosmetics, moisture and any sulfur will all speed up the rate at which oxidisation occurs. 

Your natural body chemistry can affect your sterling silver jewellery causing it to oxidise. Some people’s body chemistry will naturally accelerate the process more than others. 

What should I do to prevent my silver from going black? 

This process can not be prevented but it can be slowed down by using anti tarnishing bags when your jewellery is stowed away,  by preventing your jewellery coming into contact with any cosmetics & by removing jewellery before you shower & exercise. 

The good news is that the blackened oxidised areas affect only the surface, which means that it can be removed with a surface layer polishing. Use a non abrasive, silver polishing cloth and give it a gentle rub. 

If the tarnishing is bad then you can use a silver polish or a specialist silver cleaning product.