How to care for silver jewellery?

How to clean sterling silver jewellery? 

How to prevent sterling silver jewellery from tarnishing?

Does silver jewellery change colour over the years?

These are the questions that many people ask.

It is natural for precious metals to tarnish, blacken or discolour over time. To keep your sterling silver looking its best and to prolong its life, here are some essential care tips:

The easiest way to care for your jewellery is…

Not wearing it when

• swimming or showering
• exercising
• gardening
• cleaning the house

Always put on your jewellery last, after your clothes, lotions, perfumes, makeup and everything else.

1. Regular Cleaning

• Gentle Soap Solution: To clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the jewellery for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.

2. Avoiding Tarnish

• Limit Exposure: Remove your silver jewellery before swimming, showering or exercising. Chlorine and salt water can damage silver.
• Avoid Chemicals: Avoid exposing your jewellery to household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and hair products, as these can cause tarnishing and damage to stones.

3. Storage Tips

• It is good to keep the jewellery in its original packaging. A mini grip bag, for example, provides additional protection against the darkening effect of air impurities.
• Keep It Dry: Store your silver jewellery in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with high humidity, as moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
• Separate Storage: Store each piece separately to prevent scratching. Use soft pouches or compartments in a jewellery box.

4. Polishing Your Silver

• Use a silver polish: If your jewellery becomes tarnished, use a silver polish or polishing cloth specifically designed for jewellery. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Darkened silver is called patinated silver and patina is added for aesthetic purposes because it brings up the textures in jewellery. You don't want to use silver polish on these as it can remove the colouring.
• Professional cleaning: For intricate designs or heavily tarnished pieces, consider having your jewellery professionally cleaned by a jeweller.

7. Regular Inspections

• Check for damage: Regularly inspect your jewellery for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose stones or bent clasps. Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage.

6. Wear your jewellery

• If you're worried about your sterling silver jewellery dulling out, wear it more often. Believe it or not, your body's natural oils will keep your sterling silver shining.
• The more often you wear your sterling silver jewellery, the nicer and brighter it will look.
• Leaving your jewellery in a box or drawer will only allow the colour to dull out quickly. The materials will be sitting still, leaving the copper composition of the sterling silver to oxidize.

Following these care tips, you can keep your silver jewellery shining brightly for years. Proper maintenance enhances the beauty of your pieces and preserves their value. If you have any questions about your jewellery or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!