That darkening on your silver isn't a sign of poor quality – it's actually evidence of a fascinating chemical reaction! When silver encounters sulfur compounds in the air or on your skin, it forms silver sulfide on the surface – what we call tarnish. These sulfur compounds lurk everywhere – in air pollution, certain foods, wool, rubber, and even your own skin oils. Your personal body chemistry plays a huge role too – some people naturally "oxidize" silver faster than others. Environmental factors like humidity and pollution accelerate the process as well. The good news? Tarnish is only surface-deep and completely reversible!