Silver Turned Black... Means I'm Sick/Dying, Right?

We received an eMail recently : "My silver pendant and chain turned black & I read that means I'm sick and dying, right?"...

Well, have to legally state 1st that if you believe you're sick, please see a Doctor...

Sterling silver is actually a very complex substance.

What's more-than-likely happened is that you've recently worn your silver while swimming in a chlorinated pool, soaking in a hot-tub, or you ate some sulfur-rich foods recently (such as onions or garlic) and your body is excreting the sulfur.

Chlorine and/or bleach will instantly turn silver dark - why it's always advised not to wear your silver jewelry when taking a swim or relaxing in a hot-tub. Also be sure to thoroughly rinse yourself before putting your jewelry back on after your dip. Though not now used widely, these chemicals are used by some smiths to 'patina' a silver piece darker.

Silver is highly reactive to your body's secretion of salts, sulfides and chemicals (through sweat)... or sulphides in the air.

If you or a friend has ever worked with silver, PMC or other metals, you may have heard of a substance called : LIVER OF SULFUR ... it's comprised of sulfur compounds that turns metals different colors -- it contains sulfides (just like garlic and onions). If you leave liver of sulfur on too long, it will turn the metal completely black.

Here's a list of things that Silver has a bad reaction with: Wool, Rubber Bands, Latex Gloves, Oils from your Hands and Fingers, Ammonia, Chlorinated Water, Carpet Padding, Air Pollution, Perfumes, Hair Sprays. Here are some foods that can make Silver tarnish : Garlic, Onions , Mayonnaise, Salad Dressing, Eggs and Salty Foods.

To Clean :
A few Non-professional methods -- there are actually quite a few that can be found throughout web-land - These are recommended for Solid Sterling Silver Items (other methods should be used if you piece is a combination of gemstone & sterling):

1 - In a plastic flat-bottom, shallow container, lay a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom. Add to dish 1 tablespoon of baking soda along with tarnished silver item. Bring water to almost boiling, and pour water over to just cover the silver item(s). The silver will turn nice and shiny by the time the water cools. Rinse & pat dry. Please Note: the silver has to be in contact with the aluminum.

2 - Use plain tooth-paste. Mix it in a small container with enough water for it to be a thin paste, almost a gravy-like. Let the silver soak in it overnight. Then scrub it with an soft, old toothbrush.


3 - Use a mix of baking soda and some water. Mix in a small container with enough water for it to be a thin paste. Scrub it with an soft, old toothbrush.


HTH!