Does sterling silver rust or turn green?

This is a question we often receive from people who have inherited a box of silverware or jewelry and are afraid it may be damaged. While it’s possible for sterling silver to turn a greenish color, it’s not that common, though it can happen. If you suspect your silverware has turned green, you can try cleaning it with a gentle cleanser or bringing it to be professionally cleaned.

Does sterling silver corrode?

Most silver does not corrode, but if it's not properly cared for, the metal can turn green or black. The most common cause of this is if you have sterling silver jewelry in your home that has been in storage for more than ten years. During this time, oxidation can occur, which can cause the metal to turn black or green. To prevent this from happening, you should always store your jewelry in protective jewelry boxes when it's not being worn.

Does sterling silver hold an edge?

While sterling silver is corrosion resistant, it is not indestructible. If left unchecked, the metal can lose its shine, turning it a dull gray or green. There are a few common ways to prevent this from happening. First, keep your jewelry away from water, sweat, and harsh chemicals. If you wear sterling silver frequently, you can use a special cleaner or an anti-corrosion cream. If you’re not keeping your jewelry in pristine condition, you may want to

Does sterling silver turn green in water?

Most sterling silver does not rust, even when it is exposed to water. However, the alloy itself can turn a metallic gray color over time in water. This reaction is caused by the copper or zinc atoms in the alloy combining with oxygen in the water. The resulting gray color is referred to as patina, and this patina is usually not noticeable on small jewelry.

Does sterling silver turn green?

Most metal doesn’t rust or turn green, and yet, there are a few types of metal that can. For example, some metal that is plated over another metal (like copper on zinc) can turn green. And some types of metal alloy can turn green when they’re not polished properly. One of the most common examples of this is stainless steel. If not polished properly, the metal can turn green.