Sterling silver is always hallmarked 925. Isn’t it? Well no, not quite. Only sterling silver that weighs in excess of 7.78 grams (or roughly a quarter of a troy ounce) has to be hallmarked. So, very light items like sterling silver earwires don’t have a legal requirement to be hallmarked.

Sterling silver has a minimum silver content of 92.5%, hence the 925 hallmark. The other 7.5% consists of base alloys such as copper. This is because silver is a relatively soft metal & the other metals are added to provide strength & durability. 

However, it is often these alloys that cause sterling silver to tarnish. Humidity & other factors will determine how quickly the tarnish affects the silver. Even some types of packaging will release sulphur compounds that cause tarnishing.

Fortunately, it is very easy to keep your silver looking shiny & bright by giving it a regular wipe with a silver cleaning cloth. Even silver that has tarnished to the point of being dull & blackened can be restored with a silver cloth, but it's best to clean it before it gets to that stage. Particles in the cloth will absorb the sulphur compounds. But never wash your silver cleaning cloth or it will lose its effectiveness!

Whatever your jewellery is made of, be kind to it & it will last longer! Don’t wear it in the bath or shower or when swimming. Take care not to get perfumes & lotions on jewellery. Keep it somewhere safe & clean, without too much humidity, & wipe it occasionally with a soft cloth.