Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? A Parent’s Guide to Baby & Children’s Jewelry Care
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
A Helpful Guide for Parents Choosing Jewelry for Their Little Ones
When parents shop for baby or children’s jewelry, sterling silver is often the metal of choice—and for good reason. It’s timeless, hypoallergenic, and safe for delicate skin. But sometimes, after a few weeks or months, a parent may notice a piece of jewelry darken or discolor. This doesn’t mean it’s defective—it’s actually a natural and normal process called tarnishing.
Let us walk you through why sterling silver tarnishes, how to prevent it, and how to keep your child’s keepsake jewelry shining like new.
What Is Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of sterling silver when it reacts with elements in the air—particularly sulfur and moisture. Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). While the silver itself doesn’t tarnish easily, the copper alloy can react to air and moisture, causing that familiar darkening or yellowing over time.
This is completely normal—and reversible!
Why Your Jewelry Might Tarnish Faster
Here are a few reasons your child’s sterling silver jewelry might tarnish a little more quickly:
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Exposure to moisture (e.g., steam from bath time, baby drool, or humid environments)
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Contact with skin oils or lotions
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Storage in a damp or unsealed container
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Everyday wear, especially during activities or naps
Babies and children tend to wear their jewelry during joyful (and messy!) moments—so some tarnish is to be expected. But don’t worry: it’s easy to care for.
Can Rubber Really Tarnish Sterling Silver?
Yes. Rubber and rubber-based items can cause sterling silver to tarnish and even corrode over time. This happens because rubber contains sulfur compounds, which react with the silver and copper in sterling silver. When stored next to rubber bands, elastic hair ties, or even latex gloves, sterling silver jewelry may develop dark tarnish more quickly—or, in rare cases, tiny pits or texture changes on the surface.
To help prevent this, avoid storing your child’s jewelry near:
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Rubber bands or elastic ties
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Rubberized containers or pouches
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Latex or rubber gloves
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Older plastic bags or foam that may off-gas sulfur
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Wool or felt (natural materials that may hold moisture and sulfur compounds)
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Household cleaners or cosmetics with harsh ingredients
Keeping sterling silver in its own soft pouch or airtight box, away from these items, can help protect its shine and preserve its beauty.
🧪 The Science:
Rubber contains sulfur compounds, especially vulcanized rubber, which is commonly used in:
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Rubber bands
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Elastic hair ties
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Rubberized jewelry pouches or straps
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Latex gloves
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Some plastic or foam packaging materials
Sterling silver is particularly sensitive to sulfur, which reacts with the copper content in the alloy (remember, sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper). This reaction forms silver sulfide—the black or brown tarnish that appears on the surface.
Direct Contact = Faster Tarnishing:
If sterling silver is stored next to or wrapped in rubber (e.g., rubber bands in a jewelry drawer, or stored in a bag with a rubber zipper pull or elastic hair tie), the off-gassing sulfur from these items can significantly accelerate tarnish—and in extreme cases, even cause pitting corrosion (tiny holes or texture damage).
How to Prevent Tarnish
Here are some easy ways to protect your child’s sterling silver jewelry:
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Remove jewelry before bath time or swimming.
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Wipe the piece gently with a soft cloth after each wear.
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Store in an airtight bag or jewelry box, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip.
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Keep away from lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products.
Bonus tip: If you're gifting sterling silver to a child, consider including a polishing cloth in the gift for easy upkeep.
How Often Should You Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry?
We recommend gently cleaning your child’s sterling silver jewelry about once a month—or more often if it’s worn regularly. For pieces worn daily, a quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear can go a long way in preventing buildup and tarnish.
Storage Matters, Too!
How to Protect Sterling Silver Jewelry
Proper storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and preventing tarnish of sterling silver jewelry, especially when it’s a cherished keepsake for your child. After cleaning or wearing, be sure to store each piece in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box with an airtight seal. This helps limit exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals that can speed up tarnishing.
You can go a step further by placing anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets inside the storage container. These help absorb moisture and neutralize sulfur compounds that cause discoloration.
Try to store sterling silver separately from other metals to avoid scratches, especially if your child has multiple pieces or you’re saving jewelry for future siblings. Keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from bathrooms or humid rooms will also help preserve its shine for years to come.
How to Remove Tarnish (Safely)
If your child’s bracelet or charm has tarnished, here are parent-approved ways to gently bring back the shine:
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Use a sterling silver polishing cloth. These cloths are soft and infused with a cleaning agent made for silver.
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Mild soap and water. Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to clean the jewelry, then dry thoroughly.
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Silver cleaner (with caution). If using a commercial silver cleaner, be sure it’s labeled safe for sterling silver and rinse the piece thoroughly afterward.
Avoid using toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cloths—these can scratch delicate baby jewelry.
Sterling Silver Is Still the Gold Standard
While tarnish may be inconvenient, it’s not a flaw—it’s simply nature doing its thing. And with a little love and care, your child’s sterling silver jewelry can remain a cherished keepsake for years to come.
At BeadifulBABY, we use high-quality sterling silver designed for babies and children, and each piece is crafted to last. With proper care, your jewelry will shine just as brightly as the memories it holds.
What About Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is another popular option for keepsake gifts. While it doesn’t tarnish like silver, the gold layer can wear away with frequent wear, especially over time.
That said, with light use and proper care, gold-plated baby jewelry can stay beautiful and shiny for years, making it perfect for special occasions like baptisms or birthdays.
Prefer Jewelry That’s Easier to Care For?
If you love the look of precious metals but want something that’s lower maintenance, our gold-plated options are a beautiful alternative. Gold doesn't react with air the way silver does, so it’s less prone to tarnishing, making it an excellent choice for special-occasion pieces that don’t require as much polishing.
With a little care, gold-plated jewelry can retain its shine and beauty for years, making it a lovely option for baby showers, birthdays, and baptisms.
Still love the timeless look of sterling silver?
Browse our collection of beautiful sterling silver gifts for kids—perfect for birthdays, baptisms, and everyday keepsakes.
**A Note to Our Shoppers**
We understand the importance of selecting timeless jewelry for your child, and we're here to make your shopping experience enjoyable and informative. Just a little reminder: all precious metals—even gold—can change over time, especially when they're exposed to things like the elements, moisture, friction, or skin oils.
Feel free to review our care instructions, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We're excited to help you find the perfect precious metal that suits your budget and preferences, and we’ll guide you on how to keep your child’s beloved keepsake shining bright for years to come!
I Still Have Questions. How Can I Get Help?
Call us at 1-888-707-7772 or visit our Contact Us page to leave us a message.
We’re always here to help! If you need care advice, help with an older piece, or recommendations for your next gift, don’t hesitate to reach out.