How to Care for Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

How to Care for Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Caring for sterling your silver jewellery is important for maintaining its beauty and longevity. Here are our tips for caring for your beautiful pieces from us:

1. Storage: Store sterling silver jewellery in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Air-tight containers or anti-tarnish bags are great for preventing tarnish. Tarnish appears as a yellow, brown, black or grey coating on the surface of your silver jewellery. It forms when a metal (i.e. silver) reacts with a non-metal compound (most commonly oxygen and sulphur dioxide) which then forms a metal oxide on the jewellery.
2. Avoid Exposure: Keep your jewellery away from household chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics. These can accelerate tarnishing and in some cases, can lead to permanent damage to your jewellery.
3. Cleaning: Clean your sterling silver jewellery to remove oils, dirt, and tarnish build-up. Use a soft polishing cloth made specifically for silver. For intricate designs or stubborn tarnish, use a silver polishing cream or a gentle at-home silver cleaning solution. Be gentle and avoid excessive polishing which can wear down the silver. You can find out more about how to clean your sterling silver jewellery at home on our blog.
4. Gentle Care: When cleaning, avoid using harsh brushes or abrasive materials that can scratch the silver. A special cleaning cloth specifically designed for silver is ideal, but other options include a microfibre lint-free flannel, or a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Stay away from paper towels or tissues because they contain fibres that can scratch silver. 
5. Pat Dry: After cleaning, always pat your jewellery dry with a soft cloth. Avoid air-drying as this can lead to water spots or tarnish.
6. Avoid Water: Remove silver jewellery before swimming, bathing, or doing household chores to prevent exposure to water and chemicals.
7. Professional Care: If your sterling silver jewellery has gemstones or intricate details, consider professional cleaning from a jeweller to avoid damage.
8. Wear Regularly: Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver jewellery often can help to prevent tarnish! The natural oils in your skin can provide a protective layer.
9. Inspect Regularly: Check your jewellery periodically for any signs of damage or loose settings. Prompt repairs can prevent further damage.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your sterling silver jewellery remains beautiful and in good condition for years to come.