#protectyourskin

The most common misconception of Sterling Silver is that it is a precious metal, solely made up of Pure Silver. That is only 92.5% true! Sterling Silver is considered an ‘alloy’, meaning it is the combination of two or more metallic elements. Pure Silver is far too malleable and soft to create jewelry on its own; therefore, it is paired with various base metals – resulting in Sterling Silver. This is where that 7.5% comes in! So, what are these mystery base metals?

Nickel (Ni)

Copper (Cu)

Zinc (Zn)

These three base metals are the most notorious within the jewelry industry; especially in the making of Sterling Silver. Each metal provides its own unique benefits, and flaws, to Sterling Silver jewelry.

If you come across Sterling Silver that is noticeably shinier than others, chances are, the 7.5% is made up of Nickel! Nickel is used in Sterling Silver to create a bright and lustrous finish. But - do you know what else makes Nickel notorious in the jewelry world? It causes mild to severe skin allergies, affecting over 60 million Americans. You may be wondering, how can a dangerous metal like Nickel end up in my Sterling Silver? It’s easier than you think. In fact, manufacturers in the U.S. can label your jewelry “Nickel-Free”, even if it contains up to 5% of Nickel. Unfortunately, even the slightest trace of this metal is enough to cause a reaction. This explains why so many of us get irritated or discolored skin from Sterling Silver jewelry!

Copper is the most commonly used metal in the making of Sterling Silver. Copper provides the durability that Pure Silver needs, while maintaining its natural color. What could possibly go wrong with Copper? Well – it is highly susceptible to tarnishing and causing skin discoloration. Sterling Silver pieces that contain Copper often demonstrate these issues through simple exposure to oxygen. Question: Have you ever worn a Sterling Silver ring and noticed your skin turning green underneath it? This either concludes that you are secretly ‘The Incredible Hulk’ - OR - that your ring is comprised of a base metal, such as Copper.

Ranking as both inexpensive, and relatively safe, Zinc is another typical metal choice for use in Sterling Silver. However, every metal has its dark side. Contrary to general belief, Zinc is NOT tarnish-resistant. While that is a common misconception, Zinc does experience tarnish due to contact with everyday factors; such as moisture, humidity, cosmetic products – you name it! Zinc even has the tendency to stain your skin with tarnish, just like Copper and Nickel.

The world of Sterling Silver can be an enigmatic place. With the array of price points, designs and brands of Sterling Silver out there, it was most interesting to learn what they all have in common. Now that we’ve clarified that mysterious 7.5%, what really is the difference between your most expensive Sterling Silver piece, and your cheapest? You guessed it - it is the brand name/designer.

As veterans of the jewelry industry, I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to admit that you may never know every trace of metal that you are wearing. More so, that all Sterling Silver, high and low-end, will face tarnishing and/or cause skin allergies one day. Be sure to preserve your Sterling Silver jewelry from tarnish/discoloration with Tarnish-Me-Not’s patented protection. Our hypoallergenic formula simultaneously protects your skin from irritation, discoloration, redness and rashes.

No more rapid tarnishing.

No more skin discoloration.

No more allergic reactions.

JUST SPRAY. WEAR & TARNISH-ME-NOT.

Get Free Shipping on your order through  amazon or pick up a bottle of Tarnish-Me-Not at any of our local retailers

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