FAQ

What is Tarnish?

Tarnish on sterling silver is a natural oxidation process that dulls or darkens the metal. It occurs when the copper present in the 925 silver alloy reacts with moisture, oxygen, or sulfur-containing compounds in the air, cosmetics, and your skin. 

Why It Happens

The Alloy Factor: Pure silver is very soft, so it is alloyed with copper. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This copper causes the oxidation, meaning the tarnish is actually proof your jewelry is authentic.

Environmental Triggers: High humidity, salty air, and sulfur (found in rubber bands, leather, and certain papers) accelerate the process.

Skin Chemistry: Natural body oils, lotions, perfumes, and sweat can cause silver to tarnish faster depending on your individual pH balance. 

 

How to Remove Tarnish at Home

For quick, at-home cleaning, the foil-and-baking-soda method is highly effective for lifting away silver sulfide. 
1. Line a bowl or glass container with aluminum foil (shiny side facing up).
2. Place your silver pieces on the foil, making sure they touch it.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the jewelry.
4. Pour boiling or near-boiling water over the baking soda and jewelry.
5. Leave it to sit for 2 to 5 minutes while the reaction transfers the tarnish to the foil, then rinse and dry. 
Alternatively, you can use specialized silver-cleaning cloths and dips.

 

What is Gold Filled?

Gold-filled is very different from plated. The core metal is jewelers’ brass. A gold alloy is bonded to the surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. Unlike plated (electroplated or "dipped") metals, Gold-filled is legally required to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the karat weight of the gold alloy. Our Gold-filled items are all 14kt gold-filled. 14k Gold-filled products are identified as 14/20 Gold-filled, or 14kt Gold-Fill.

 

Does your jewelry contain nickel?

No. All jewelry from Autumn Equinox is made from .925 sterling silver, 14k gold, or 14k gold filled. None of our jewelry contains any nickel!