The short answer is... yes. But fear not, tarnish is not the big bad wolf we think it is. It's the result of jewelry needing some extra TLC. Tarnish is the black or dark film that frequently develops on the surface of a metal.
Tarnish is a completely natural process of the metal reacting to various chemicals in the air, mostly sulfides, and can be reduced with proper cleaning and care. If left untreated, tarnish can cause irreversible damage to your metal and leave a green hue on your skin.
It's important to understand what causes tarnishing to help reduce its effect on your jewelry. Your jewelry reacts to elements in the environment that can lead to a slow deterioration of its shine. Even cooking and cleaning can release pollutants into the air that cling to your jewelry.
High humidity creates a damp atmosphere that encourages oxidation. Air pollution is another culprit. This is especially true if you live somewhere air quality is compromised.
Consider the environment around you when wearing your favorite jewelry. Keeping your pieces in a low-humidity area, using anti-tarnish pouches, or simply storing them in a soft cloth can go a long way in preserving their luster.
While Sterling Silver is the metal that is mostly associated with tarnishing, it can occur on just about any type of metal such as aluminum, copper, and brass. When your jewelry contains metals like silver or copper, it can react with sulfur compounds in the air or moisture, creating a layer of tarnish that dulls its luster. They only metals that are immune from post-plate tarnishing are non-corrosive metals like high karat gold, stainless steel, and titanium.