The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Stop the tarnishing of jewelry products

Tarnishing of jewelry products. I have silver products that have not tarnished whilst in the warehouse. Packaging is clear plastic fronted, opaque sides and back. Chains are held in place by slotting through a clear plastic tab. There are therefore 2 pieces of clear plastic over the 'held' chain. When placed in store most of the chain has tarnished, but not behind the holding tab. Has anyone seen this before and are there any explanations for it? Is it a 'light' reaction?

David Jarvis
- Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
2003

---

2003

Dear David,

The problem is usually due to materials used in packaging that contain sulfur ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or chlorine. We have run across tarnishing problems caused by paper or cardboard containing sulfur or sulfites and glues that outgas chlorine. Warm moist environments will accelerate tarnishing. Sealed plastic bags can create a micro-environment around the silver goods and any moisture or skin oils on the goods will guarantee tarnish. Storage environments can also be a source of sulfur or chlorine, keep the finished goods away from any chemical vapors. Check the chemicals used in your final cleaning process to make sure no films from finishing are left on your goods. White cotton gloves should be used for handling and packaging to keep skin oils off the finished goods. The problem you describe is more likely due to a gas or vapor rather than light. The only light related tarnishing I've run across was a person wearing silver jewelry got out of a freshly chlorinated swimming pool and the jewelry turned a blueish color in the sunlight. You may want to consider chromate coating the silver goods for tarnish protection in storage.

Best regards,

Jim Sivertsen
- Alden, N.Y., U.S.A.