925 sterling silver jewelry comprises 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This composition enhances durability compared to pure silver, which is too soft for most jewelry applications. Exposure to moisture and chemicals can affect its appearance over time.
While sterling silver offers aesthetic appeal and relative affordability, regular exposure to chlorine, sulfur, and certain chemicals found in soaps, shampoos, and tap water can cause tarnishing. Tarnishing is a natural process where the silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air or other substances, creating a dark layer of silver sulfide on the surface. This dulls the shine and reduces the piece’s overall aesthetic value. Repeated exposure accelerates this process.
