What causes silver, copper and brass to oxidize and therefore tarnish?
Sulfur containing materials – including the air we breathe – generally cause these metals to tarnish. Materials such as wool, rubber bands and latex gloves are some common materials that come in contact with these materials and airborne food particles/odors such as eggs and onions hasten this process as well. High humidity also results in tarnishing jewelry more quickly than a dry climate. Simply by cleaning and/or wiping your jewelry down after each wearing, you will keep oxidation at bay because undesirables cling to foreign substances. In order to slow the process further, store silver, copper and brass – separately – in a plastic bag or closed container with a piece of white chalk.
