Causes of tarnish and corrosion:
Exposure to humidity, naturally emitted sulphur from silver, chemicals in clothing, food wool, felt, rubber based products, salt, milk, vinegar, acidic foods ) wool, felt, rubber based products(rubber bands), latex, skin oils, makeup, perfume and hair products (gel, hair spray, hair color) and more.

Do you need an Anti Tarnish Jewelry Box?
How you store and protect your silver jewelry is critical.
Sterling silver jewelry should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight and heat. Silver must be stored where each separate item has space without touching other jewelry under or on top of it. This allows for the air circulation while protecting it from scrapes and other harmful action.

Do not encase your silver in card, paper, plastic or cotton because the compounds they contain will tarnish your jewelry swiftly. Rubber of any description, even rubber bands, will tarnish silver at a quick rate.

Unlike what you may have heard, you do not need a "tarnish proof" or "anti tarnish jewelry box" to look after your jewelry in.

Anti Tarnish Jewelry Box Guide

I will not own a jewelry box with an anti tarnish lining. Why? Because Anti tarnish fabrics used in jewelry boxes are often covered in chemicals. As with all treated surfaces, these coatings wear, erode or evaporate over time. I am concerned that these substances layer the jewelry and from there ends up on your ears, on your hands or around your neck and a certain amount is certain to be passed on. to your skin. Even if minute particles are transferred, who is to say that you aren't allergic to compound or have a sensitivity to it. For flatware and cooking/serving items these treated linings are fine as you will usually wash the compounds away before using them. Worst still, some linings can actually cause tarnish. They contain sulphur and chloride and can do your jewelry more harm than good. Most don't but, how you store and care for your jewelry makes a difference.

So where does that leave you?
Well, some anti tarnish jewelry boxes are not chemically handled. There are some materials that contain minute specks of silver in them that absorb the sulphur gases and will look after silver for a lifetime. If you know that the lining isn't chemically treated yet still anti tarnish then great. Don't know? Then there are other options that the general public are not mindful of and the best part is tha you are not limited to style, color or make of jewelry box to use these products. Your precious silver can be protected while you have the jewelry box you desire, without any compromise.

How to turn any jewelry box into an anti tarnish jewelry box:

Follow the rules above and use one or two of the ideas at the link below for anti tarnish storage of your precious jewelry. All are cheaply available online, or from a local jeweler, hobby shop and some are even free. Also all are safe and do not emit fumes, chemicals, gases or vapors.

Go here for the anti tarnish jewelry box storage guide