Sterling silver jewellery is a timeless favourite that can complement your look, whether it’s a casual day out or a glamorous evening event. However, to keep your silver rings, necklaces, and bracelets sparkling like new, proper care is essential. In this guide, I will share practical tips to ensure your sterling silver jewellery remains as stunning as the day you bought it.
Why Does Sterling Silver Jewellery Tarnish?
Sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually pure copper), is prone to tarnishing due to a natural chemical reaction of the copper. Unfortunately, it is copper that we cannot do without - it is what gives sterling silver sufficient strength for use in everyday items, since pure silver itself is a soft metal. Tarnish occurs when copper in silver alloy interacts with sulphur in the air or certain chemicals, leading to a dull, darkened appearance. But don’t worry—with the right care, tarnish can be minimized and even reversed!
1. Everyday Habits to Keep Your Silver Jewellery Shining
Avoid Contact with Chemicals:
Remove your silver rings and bracelets before using household cleaning products, such as soap or dishwashing liquid, swimming in chlorinated pools, or applying lotions and perfumes. These chemicals can accelerate tarnishing or even cause green marks to appear on the finger.
Put Jewellery on Last:
When getting ready, make your silver jewellery the finishing touch. This minimizes contact with hair sprays, makeup, and perfumes.
Store Properly:
Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place, preferably in an anti-tarnish pouch or a lined jewellery box. Avoid keeping multiple pieces in one compartment to prevent scratches.
Wear Your Jewelry Often:
Believe it or not, wearing your sterling silver regularly can help prevent tarnish! When wearing silver jewellery, a process of self-cleaning and self-polishing occurs from contact with clothing and other objects. The main thing is that these contacts are not rough and traumatic for your jewellery - treat your favourite silver jewellery as if it were a luxury gold jewellery with diamonds costed in yearly salary :)
2. Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewellery
Gentle Cleaning Jewellery at Home
For everyday cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish your jewellery. Avoid paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the surface.
DIY Cleaning Solution - here’s a simple and effective method to clean your silver at home:
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Soak your jewellery for 5-10 minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. You can then use special polishing cloths for silver jewellery (for gold use special polishing cloths for gold jewellery) - I can't say which ones, because the manufacturers of the cloths don't pay me for advertising, haha :)
Professional Cleaning Jewellery:
For heavily tarnished or intricate jewellery, consider professional cleaning to restore their brilliance safely. This may involve various chemicals, polishing, and ultrasonic cleaning of jewellery. You can leave this to the professionals, but as a jeweller with over 30 years of experience, I have to warn you:
NEVER USE ultrasonic cleaning on oxidized jewellery (black coated silver) or jewellery with amber.
BE VERY CAREFUL when considering ultrasonic cleaning of any jewellery with pearls, opals, mother-of-pearl, abalone, and other semi-organic stones - they can be destroyed during the cleaning process.
NEVER USE any chemicals to clean the above-mentioned items!
3. Preventative Measures for Long-Lasting Shine
Use Anti-Tarnish Products:
Invest in anti-tarnish strips or pouches to store your silver jewellery. These products absorb moisture and chemicals that cause tarnishing of silver.
Polish Regularly:
Use a silver polishing cloth to maintain shine.
Separate Storage:
Store each piece separately to avoid scratches and tangling, especially for delicate silver necklaces and bracelets.
4. Caring for Specific Types of Silver Jewellery
Silver Rings:
Remove rings before activities like washing dishes, gardening, swimming, or working out to prevent scratches and tarnish.
Silver Necklaces and Bracelets:
Avoid wearing these pieces in humid environments, as moisture accelerates tarnishing. Use clasp extenders to reduce stress on chains.
Silver with Gemstones or Coated:
Be extra cautious when cleaning oxidized silver jewellery or jewellery with gemstones. Some DIY cleaning methods, such as the baking soda solution, can damage softer stones. Stick to gentle polishing and avoid submerging gemstone jewellery in water.
5. Debunking Myths About Sterling Silver Care
Myth 1: Silver Jewellery Shouldn’t Be Worn Daily.
Fact: Regular wear can actually keep silver shining by reducing exposure to tarnishing elements.
Myth 2: Toothpaste is a Good Cleaner for Silver.
Fact: Toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your jewellery. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions.
Myth 3: Tarnish Means Poor Quality Silver.
Fact: Tarnishing is a natural reaction and not a sign of inferior quality. With proper care, it’s easy to remove. Green or black marks from wearing a ring on your fingers also cannot indicate poor quality silver - it could be an individual oxidation reaction caused by human sweat, or some chemical elements in soap, hand cream, etc.
6. Why Proper Care Matters
Your sterling silver jewellery isn’t just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your style and often holds sentimental value. Taking the time to care for your pieces ensures they remain beautiful for years to come. Plus, maintaining their shine makes them look more expensive and appealing, enhancing your confidence every time you wear them.
7. Shop for Quality Silver Jewellery
My handcrafted bespoke jewellery undergo mandatory hallmark in the London Assay Office to meet silver quality standards. At www.gatojewel.com, I offer a wide of handcrafted sterling silver rings - also other handmade jewellery in other metals available for personal request and discussion. Each piece will be made for personal order with your custom requirements. Browse my collection and find your next favourite accessory today!
By following these tips, you can keep your sterling silver jewellery looking as dazzling as the day you bought it. Happy shining!
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