KEUM BOO
The 24K gold accents you see on the jewelry is applied by the following method-
Keum-boo (also Kum-Boo or Kum-bu - Korean "attached gold") is an ancient Korean gilding technique used to apply thin sheets of gold to silver. Traditionally, this technique is accomplished by first depleting the surface of sterling silver to bring up a thin layer of fine silver. Then 24 carat gold foil is applied with heat and pressure - mechanical gilding - to produce a permanent diffusion bond.

Pure precious metals such as gold and silver, have a very similar atomic structure, and therefore have a good potential for bonding. Heating these metals to a temperature between 500-700°F increases the movement of the atoms. When pressure is added, this causes an electron exchange at the surface between the two metals, creating a permanent diffusion bond. This diffusion bond occurs far below the soldering temperature for either metal. (Dhein, 2004)

Examples of this technique have probably been observed, but not positively identified on pieces from the second half of the first millennium B.C. and from the early first millennium A.D. (Oddy,1981)

This technique is used in many cultures, including Chinese, Japanese and in the West to bond gold to other metals, including iron, copper, aluminum, gold alloys, white gold, palladium and platinum. Foil made from gold alloys can be applied to silver and other metals by first depletion guilding the surface of the foil. (Lewton-Brain, 1987-1993)

PATINA
This as method of adding colors via the use of chemicals to age or "patinate" the piece. The colors range from pale gold, shifting during the process, tru the color spectrum, allthe way to black. I can stop the process by removing the piece from the chemicals, and placing them in cold water/baking soda solution.

This jewelry is FINE SILVER-content of silver .999-sterling is .925 silver content.
My pieces do not tarnish in the usual sense of the word, over a LONG period of time, they will just get a dull haze over them. To avoid that, keep them in a jewelry box, drawer or even in a zip lock bag to keep the atmosphere off of them.
Most of my high end pieces are sealed with a thin coat of sealer, to protect the patinas, gold, and finish. I urge you NOT to wear them in the shower, get hair spray or perfumes on them, as this may affect the sealer in an averse way.