Pure silver, like pure gold, does not rust or tarnish. ... While the addition of copper to the silver is what makes it more durable, copper is also what makes sterling silver more susceptible to tarnishing over time, as it reacts to environmental factors in the air.

Can silver get rusted?

While silver is susceptible to oxidation, it is not the same type of oxidation that other metals experience when they “rust”. ... So while the short answer is no, silver does not rust, there are other chemical reactions involving silver that can alter the look of your silver bullion products.

Why is my silver rusting?

Over time, any sterling silver jewelry exposed to air will tarnish. ... It's the other metals, typically copper, that make sterling silver tarnish. The copper reacts to moisture and sulfur in the air, causing the sterling silver tarnish. Silver tarnishes faster in areas with high humidity and air pollution.