Preventing sterling silver from tarnishing

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi, I have been creating glass jewelry beads for the past 6 years and
I have been designing and creating glass and sterling silver jewelry
for the past 3 years. Having no formal training it has been a steep
learning curve but it is a journey that I find facinating and one I
continue to enjoy. My problem is to do with the sterling silver
tarnishing while the jewelry is in store displays. I have noticed
that sales are brisk the first couple months and then sales drop off.
When I drop into the stores I notice the jewelry is dull and
tarnished and this explains why the sales drop off. I have
investigated plating the jewelry with Palladium but this is time
consuming and expensive and adds to the price of the jewelry. I have
looked at Silverbrite and it appears to be quicker and less costly,
until you factor in the shipping from the UK to North America!!!
Dangerous goods shipping makes the shipping 10X the cost of the
Silverbrite! I have considered organic laquer… the options are there
but I want to make the right choice, an informed choice. I am hoping
someone out there can shed some light on this subject for me.

Cheers
Ric

2 
I am hoping someone out there can shed some light on this subject
for me.

I picked up some Renaissance Wax in Woodcraft and it really works
well. No tarnish appeared even after at least 6 months. It’s in paste
form. You wipe it on, let it sit a little, and then buff it.

Good Luck
Kim
Kim Starbard
http://www.kimstarbarddesigns.com

3

Ric:

You could try using Argentium silver instead of regular sterling.

Or you might also consider a product Rio carries called Midas
Tarnish Shield, which, after a 10-minute application, leaves an
invisible film on silver to help prevent tarnish. It’s not permanent,
but ought to keep your items shiny for quite a few months.

Tarnish Shield is principally perchlorethylene, which is a bit nasty
and requires a respirator. You will also need an acid dip (sold for
plating applications), and, of course, an ultrasonic cleaner.

John Walbaum

4

I have tried Midas Tarnish Shield (from Rio Grande) and thought it
would work well. I then quit using it because the pieces tarnished
even faster than without it when they were exposed to the hot lights
in the case.

J. S. Ellington
http://www.jseenameljewelry.com