Silver Jewelry: What to Know About Tarnish, Nickel & Caring for It
If you love silver jewelry (and who doesn’t?), you’ve probably noticed it can change color over time — or even leave a green or black mark on your skin. Perhaps you’re also curious about whether silver contains nickel, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about silver jewelry: why it tarnishes or turns black or green, how to clean it, whether it contains nickel, and the different types of silver available — including an often misunderstood material, German silver.
Does Silver Jewelry Contain Nickel?
The short answer:
Pure silver does not contain nickel. However, depending on the alloy or type of jewelry you choose, nickel might be present in small amounts — especially in lower-cost items or silver-plated pieces.
✅ Nickel-Free Options:
-
Fine Silver (99.9% Pure): Naturally nickel-free but rarely used for everyday jewelry due to its softness.
-
Sterling Silver (92.5%): Typically alloyed with copper, not nickel. Reputable brands ensure their sterling silver is nickel-free.
⚠️ Caution with:
-
Silver-Plated Jewelry: The base metal may contain nickel, which can be problematic for sensitive skin.
-
Some Costume Pieces: Lower-cost alloys may include nickel to increase durability.
Why Does Silver Turn Black or Green?
Silver is a reactive metal, which means it changes color based on environmental factors — and that’s all due to basic chemistry.
🖤 Black Tarnish (Oxidation):
Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air or moisture, forming silver sulfide, which appears as a black layer on your jewelry.
Triggers include:
-
Exposure to air pollution
-
Perfumes or body lotions
-
Sweat and humidity
💚 Green Stains on Skin:
Often a result of copper present in sterling silver reacting with moisture and skin acids, creating a green residue.
Note: This is generally harmless and can be cleaned off easily.
How to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home
Tarnished silver can be restored with a few simple steps:
🧽 Method 1: Soap & Water
-
Mix mild dish soap with warm water.
-
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth.
-
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
🧪 Method 2: Baking Soda & Foil
-
Line a bowl with aluminum foil.
-
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and pour in hot water.
-
Soak your silver for 5–10 minutes, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
✨ Method 3: Silver Polishing Cloth
-
These cloths are pre-treated with polishing compounds to remove tarnish without scratching the surface.
Method 4: Silver cleaning solutions/powder
-
Use silver cleaning solutions/powders. Bet they can sometimes be harsh or abrasive so use with caution.
What Are the Different Types of Silver in Jewelry?
Understanding the variations in silver helps you make informed choices — particularly if you’re seeking nickel-free silver jewelry.
💎 1. Fine Silver (99.9% Pure)
-
Soft and rarely used in intricate jewelry pieces.
-
Naturally nickel-free and less prone to tarnishing, but not ideal for daily wear.
💍 2. Sterling Silver (92.5% Silver with 7.5% Alloy)
-
The industry standard for quality, durable jewelry.
-
Typically alloyed with copper to provide strength.
-
Maintains a brilliant shine with regular cleaning.
- At Risham we use sterling silver for our beautiful jewellery. Check our bestseller Silver Pearl Chain.
-
🔧 3. Argentium Silver
-
A modern alternative with enhanced tarnish resistance.
-
Contains germanium instead of copper, making it highly durable and nickel-free.
-
Praised for its bright, white luster and minimal maintenance.
🧥 4. Silver-Plated
-
Consists of a thin layer of silver applied to a base metal like brass.
-
Inexpensive, but the silver layer can wear off over time.
-
The base metal may contain nickel, so caution is advised for sensitive skin.
🖤 5. Oxidized Silver
-
Deliberately treated to achieve a dark, antique appearance.
-
Not a flaw but a desired design finish that adds character.
-
Minimal cleaning is required to maintain its vintage look.
🌟 6. German Silver (Often Called Nickel Silver)
-
Despite its name, German silver does not contain any silver.
-
It is a silver-colored alloy typically composed of copper, nickel, and zinc.
-
Renowned for its resemblance to silver, it’s more affordable but may contain nickel.
-
Ideal for costume jewelry and decorative pieces; however, it's not recommended for those with nickel allergies.
Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Silver Investment
Whether you prefer handmade sterling silver earrings, tarnish-resistant Argentium pieces, or an eye-catching oxidized silver pendant, silver jewelry is timeless but does require some care.
-
For Sensitive Skin: Choose nickel-free sterling silver or Argentium silver.
-
Cleaning: Gentle methods like soap and water or the baking soda & foil trick are best.
-
Understanding Your Metal: Knowing the type of silver — and its properties — helps in caring for it properly.
At Risham, we commit to using high-quality, sterling silver in our pieces, ensuring that every item is as enduring as it is beautiful. With proper care, your silver jewellery can shine brightly for years to come.