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 do you keep sterling silver from tarnishing?

Store jewelry with chalk: If you throw a few pieces of chalk in with your sterling silver, the chalk will absorb the moisture and help prevent tarnishing. Use silica packs: When you buy new clothing or shoes, sometimes you'll find silica packs in with them. Hold onto these and toss them in your jewelry box.

Can sterling silver tarnish permanently?

Sterling silver, even real . 925 sterling silver, will always tarnish. While pure 99.9% silver does not tarnish, any sterling silver will tarnish over time as a result of the metal mixed in. However, fortunately there are many ways to keep sterling silver from tarnishing.