The answer is - Yes, it can. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent of other metals that form an alloy. Some of those other metals, primarily copper, can cause sterling silver to tarnish over time when they interact with moisture that's in the air.

How long does solid sterling silver last?

Therefore, you want that symbol to last as long as possible. So how long do sterling silver rings last? If wore all the time, On average, sterling silver rings last between 20-30 years, if well maintained, but If only worn occasionally and properly stored they will last forever.

How do you keep sterling silver from tarnishing?

Keep in a cool, dark place: as mentioned earlier, sunlight, heat and moisture accelerate tarnishing. Be sure to keep your silver in a cool, dark place. Store pieces individually: storing your pieces separately prevents any chance of jewelry scratching or tangling with each other.