SILVER Tarnishes Naturally. It is perfectly normal to find Sterling Silver jewellery to tarnish over a period of time because of exposure to the air as well as other external environmental factors such as Beauty & Cosmetics, Foods, Chemicals (ammonia, bleach, chlorine, salt water and Sulphur) and in rare instances the ph/acidity level of the user’s natural body chemistry and skin oils. For protecting all your Silver and Gold Plated Jewellery it is important to avoid exposing them to chlorinated water (swimming pool), perfumes, and creams. Chlorine and sunscreens can tarnish the gold plating, while perfumes and creams can cause it to wear off faster. To protect the integrity of your jewellery, remove it before swimming, avoid spraying perfumes on it, and refrain from applying creams or sunscreens while wearing it. These simple precautions can help maintain the beauty and longevity of all your silver gold-plated pieces that you have. For more information please visit JEWELLERY CARE at the bottom of the website. To protect STAINLESS STEEL jewellery remove them before swimming. That way you can prevent discoloration of gold or black plated stainless steel jewellery.