What are the black spots on my silver jewelry, and are they damage or tarnish?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Most black spots on solid silver are localised tarnish and clean off. Spots on plated pieces or spots that leave a pit or return immediately may point to a coating problem or corrosion.

What black spots can be

• Local tarnish: contact with something that releases sulphur, such as rubber, wool, eggs or certain cosmetics.
• Trapped moisture: damp pockets in a hollow piece or under a stone.
• Worn plating: the base metal showing through and tarnishing differently.
• Corrosion: a more serious change that leaves a rough or pitted surface.

How to tell

1. Wipe the area with a soft damp cloth and a drop of mild soap.
2. Dry and look under good light, ideally with a loupe.
3. Try a silver polishing cloth lightly on solid silver. Tarnish should lift; plating loss will not.
4. Run a fingertip gently over the spot. A rough or pitted texture suggests corrosion.

Fact Under 16 CFR 23.5, a product with only a silver surface layer should be described as plated or coated.

Our advice So check how your piece was described, because spots on plated pieces are usually plating wear.

What to do

• If it lifts: it was tarnish; store the piece dry and separate.
• If it returns quickly: moisture or chemical contact may be the cause. Look at where you store it.
• If it is rough, pitted or colour shows through: have a jeweller examine it.

Preventing spots

Our advice Keep the piece away from rubber bands, wool and damp, and store it in its own pouch. Wipe it after wear.

Fact Jewelers of America advise wiping jewelry after every wear with a soft, slightly damp cloth and storing it somewhere dry in a fabric-lined case or wrapped in soft tissue.

It depends Whether a spot is cosmetic or structural depends on its depth and cause, which needs a close look.

Uncertain We cannot diagnose a spot from a description. If cleaning does not remove it, ask a jeweller.

Related reading: Can I wear silver jewelry in a new piercing? · What Does 925 Mean on Silver Jewelry?

Sources

• 16 CFR 23.5, FTC Jewelry Guides: misrepresentation as to silver content
• Jewelers of America, Jewelry care

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.