Sterling Silver Patina- Everything You Need to Know!

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Sterling silver patina…

What is it? Is it dangerous and how to remove it?

Is sterling silver patina permanent or not and can it be prevented?

Sterling Silver Patina- Everything You Need to Know!

Table of Contents

What is Sterling Silver Patina?

Sterling silver patina is a natural darkening of the silver’s surface due to oxidation and other chemical reactions. It’s a controlled form of silver tarnishing that creates a desired, unique, blackened look on sterling silver jewelry.

Sterling silver tarnishing is an undesirable process, but controlled patination produces uniquely looking sterling silver jewelry.

Is Sterling Silver Patina the Same as Sterling Silver Tarnish?

No, sterling silver patina and sterling silver tarnish aren’t the same.

Sterling silver tarnish is an undesirable, uncontrollable discoloration that happens when copper within sterling silver reacts with oxygen. The result is ugly looking sterling silver jewelry asking to be repolished.

Sterling silver patina is a natural darkening of the silver’s surface due to oxidation and other chemical reactions. It’s a controlled form of silver tarnishing that creates exquisite sterling silver jewelry pieces.

Will Patina on Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, both natural and artificially-made sterling silver patina will tarnish if you don’t take good care of your sterling silver jewelry.

Sterling silver patina will stay roughly the same for a very long time if you do take good care of your sterling silver jewelry.

Note: to keep sterling silver jewelry looking its best, store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in anti-tarnish pouches or airtight containers to prevent tarnishing. Regularly clean your jewelry with a soft cloth and mild soap, and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals like perfumes, hairspray, and cleaning products.

When cleaning, use a silver polishing cloth or a specialized silver cleaner when cleaning your sterling silver rings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

What is Green Patina on Sterling Silver?

Green patina on sterling silver is sterling silver tarnish. Sterling silver turns green due to a reaction between the copper in the alloy and substances like moisture, sweat, or sulfur compounds. This reaction forms a greenish layer on the silver, which can transfer to the skin as you wear it.

Here’s an example of green sterling silver patina staining green human skin.

What is the Best Way to Remove Natural Patina from Sterling Silver?

The best way to remove natural patina from sterling silver is to use a commercial silver polish.

This method works, but you have to spend money.

You can also remove tarnish from sterling silver manually and for free.

To remove tarnish and restore the natural patina on sterling silver, you can use a baking soda paste, a commercial silver polish, or a solution of boiling water, baking soda, and aluminum foil.

First, mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Then, apply the paste to the silver with a soft cloth and rub gently. Finally, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

How to Remove Chemically Applied Patina from Sterling Silver?

To remove chemically applied patina from sterling silver you should use a baking soda+ vinegar solution.

First, combine warm water, baking soda, and white vinegar in a bowl. Next, soak the tarnished silver for a few hours. Finally, rinse and dry your sterling silver jewelry with a soft cloth.

You can also use the baking soda+ water method I described above.

Is it Possible to add Patina to Sterling Silver?

Yes, it’s possible to add patina to sterling silver. You can add patina to sterling silver jewelry naturally or artificially (chemically).

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time and it’s one way to add a patina. The problem is that this type of tarnish is uneven and the end result is often unsatisfactory.

Here’s an example of unevenly tarnished sterling silver necklace.

Tarnished sterling silver necklace example- source

You can also use Liver of Silver to add even patina to the surface of your sterling silver jewelry piece.

First, prepare the solution by dissolving a small amount of liver of sulfur in hot water until it turns a brownish color. Then, immerse your silver piece in the solution, allowing it to darken to your desired shade.

Finally, neutralize the reaction with baking soda and water, rinse, and dry your piece.

Afterward take good care of your piece so it doesn’t continue to naturally tarnish and ruin your desired patina.

Can Sterling Silver Filled Chain and Wire Be Patinated?

Yes, silver filled chain and wire can be patinated. While it’s not solid sterling silver, the outer layer is sterling silver, which will react to patination methods like Liver of Sulfur (LOS) just like solid sterling.

The patination process of sterling silver filled chains is nearly identical to patination process of solid sterling silver chains. However, the presence of the base metal core might affect the final color or depth of the patina.

Silver Patina Examples and Images

Here’re some examples and images of silver patina, both natural and chemically made.