The Right Way To Care For Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling Silver makes for a stunning piece of jewellery, whether it’s Sterling silver bracelets, a pair of dazzling earrings or a chic necklace. Investing in sterling silver is indeed a great choice, but you can’t overlook its upkeep if you want it to last long.

No matter if you have sterling silver trinkets or an extensive collection of silver jewellery, seeing it get tarnished is the last thing you want.

We all know that, unlike Gold and Platinum, Silver requires intermittent polishing to keep tarnish at bay. However, it is easy to skip out on this tradition, especially if you wear your silver earrings daily or have a silver wedding ring that you seldom take off.

While it may seem like your silver jewellery is inescapable from the inevitable tarnish, we’re here to help you preserve your sterling silver — and keep it just like the day you bought it.

Why Does Your Sterling Silver Jewellery Tarnish?

A common myth is that tarnished silver is of low quality and must be made of inferior materials. As a result, some people might feel disappointed or even regret their purchase.

However, that is not true. Sterling Silver, which consists of 92.5% silver and the remaining 7.5% of other materials, possibly copper, reacts with air over time and can give it a dull appearance. If silver is not cared for properly, it may oxidise quickly, leaving you with tarnished jewellery.

Nevertheless, if you’ve taken notice of your silver bracelet, a ring or a necklace that has darkened or appears unclean, there’s no need to discard it.

We’ve come up with some simple and easy-to-follow tips on how you can care for your jewellery, prevent it from getting darker and maintain its sheen for years to come.

Expert Care for Silver Jewellery: How to Avoid Tarnish

You don’t have to go to a jewellery store to restore the shine of your silver jewellery. Here are some tips to maintain your adornments that are easy and safe to try at home.

1. Wear It Often

Who would’ve thought that wearing your silver jewellery more often is the secret to preventing tarnishing? Yes, it’s true. Your skin’s natural oils create a protective barrier that helps keep your silver shiny. The more you keep on your silver necklace chain or rings, the slower the tarnish will be. This is also better than keeping your jewellery in open storage.

2. Keep it off during chores

Now, let’s be smart about this — take off your sterling silver before tackling those household chores. Substances like household cleaners, chlorinated water, sweat, and rubber can expedite tarnish. The thumb rule is to always take off your silver rings, and sterling silver bracelets especially if it requires physical contact with chemicals or water.

3. Lessen exposure to sunlight

Before you head to the beach or pool, remember to remove your silver jewellery. Sunlight can be a sneaky accomplice in tarnishing your precious pieces. Let’s keep them safe and shining in the shade.

4. Put it on after the makeup

Silver is capable of outlasting generations, only if it is kept with proper care. You might want that with your jewellery too. A lot of us may put on our jewellery first and then proceed with the usual makeup, but this may not be the best practice for your silver ornaments.

Avoid applying lotions, makeup, hair spray, or perfumes directly onto your silver pendant necklace. They can speed up tarnishing and dull the sparkle. Instead, let your beauty routine come first, and then adorn yourself with your stunning silver pieces.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver: Gentle Methods to Maintain Sparkle

When it’s time to give your silver some love and cleaning, here are three gentle methods our jewellers swear by these easily available materials:

a. Soap and Water

A mild soap is gentle and effective in most cases. Give your jewellery a loving scrub, and you’ll see that tarnish fade away. You can clean up chunky Mens silver chains or sleek bangles.

b. Baking Soda and Water

Forget toothpaste – it’s not your silver’s best friend anymore. Opt for a paste made from baking soda and water, and gently scrub away the tarnish with a soft cloth or toothbrush.

c. White Vinegar and Baking Soda

For heavier tarnish, this duo works wonders. Soak your silver in a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda (prepare for a bit of fizzing fun!) for a few hours, then rinse and pat dry.

d. Consider Polishing

After the cleaning, give your sterling silver chains, rings and more a final touch-up with a polishing cloth designed just for them. This will bring out the sparkle and leave them looking as good as new.

Proper Storage: Where Your Silver Belongs

When it’s time to tuck your jewellery away, remember these storage tips:

Choose an air-tight container; zip-lock bags are perfect, but there are also stylish jewellery bags available.
Keep your silver in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Store pieces individually to prevent scratches and tangling.
Consider anti-tarnish strips for added protection.

Extra Tips and Tricks: Keeping Tarnish at Bay

Here are a few bonus tricks to keep your silver shining bright:

Store your jewellery with chalk to absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.
Those silica packs from new clothing or shoes? Toss them into your jewellery box – they’re moisture absorbers too!
Line your jewellery box with anti-tarnish cloths to keep your silver safe and sound.

Bask in the Radiance of Sterling Silver: Stonex Jewellers

Now that you’re aware of these fabulous tips, you can keep your sterling silver bracelets, earrings and rings looking fabulous every day. Remember, prevention is easier than a tarnish-removal battle.

Show off your silver, clean it regularly, and store it with care, and your timeless treasures will dazzle for a lifetime. At Stonex Jewellers, we’ve got a great collection of sterling silver jewellery that requires minimal maintenance compared to other ornaments.

Explore our collection of Silver necklace chain, silver stud and hoop earrings, and 925 Sterling silver ring for men and women at great prices in New Zealand. These pieces are excellent for gifting as well as make for a wonderful addition to your jewellery collection.

AUTHOR BIO

Karsha

Karsha has been a writer for over 10 years and has been writing for Stonex Jewellers for more than two years where she has gained insights on how to capture the essence of the jewellery industry. She comes from a versatile background, having written for fashion & lifestyle beats and covering the trends of the market. Graduated from the domain of Journalism & Mass Communication — she knows how to depict the cultural and emotional significance of who styles what & when.