Why does my silver jewelry tarnish? Can I stop this from happening?

When exposed to air, most metals begin to undergo an oxidation process, as the ions from the oxygen in the air attract the electrons in the metal. The tarnish you see on your sterling silver jewelry is evidence of this process. While all sterling silver will tarnish over time, there are ways to slow the oxidation process down between regular cleanings.  Start reducing tarnishing by storing your silver pieces in small Ziploc bags to keep them away from air. Wipe your pieces with a soft cloth after wearing to eliminate oils from your skin which also speed the oxidation process. If a piece is badly tarnished, bring it into the store and we can restore its natural luster with our professional cleaning solution designed for tough tarnish.