How to care for your silver jewellery

Sterling silver will tarnish. Fact! This is because it contains a small percentage of copper in the alloy which oxidises and darkens the look of the silver.

But, don't worry, there are ways of preventing or slowing down the process and ways of removing the tarnish, so please read on.

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Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Pure 999 silver on its own doesn’t tarnish easily but it is too soft and malleable to make most forms or jewellery. Sterling silver is an alloy, made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper which makes it stronger but also makes it more likely to react with other elements.

The main causes of tarnish are:

•Air: Sterling silver naturally reacts with sulfur in the air, forming a dark surface layer called silver sulfide.

•Humidity and Heat: Moist air speeds up the chemical reaction, especially in warm environments. 

•Chemicals: Everyday products like perfumes, lotions, makeup, and even cleaning products can cause faster tarnishing.

•Skin Oils and Sweat: Natural oils and sweat from our skin can also cause silver to fade or darken over time. Some people (especially teenagers) with certain Ph levels in their skin can find silver tarnishes very quickly, this may change as they get older.

Even salty sea air from coastal locations can increase tarnishing—which is great inspiration for sea-inspired jewellery designs, but not ideal for silver storage!

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How to Prevent Sterling Silver from Tarnishing

While tarnish can’t be completely stopped, you can slow it down with a few simple habits:

1. Store It Carefully 

It’s tempting to hang your jewellery on a beautiful display piece at home but that is really asking for trouble. Keep that for pieces NOT made from precious metals.

Keep silver in airtight bags or containers when not in use. Anti-tarnish pouches or cloths can help. Store it in a cool, dry place. Those little silicon bags can help too, just dry them on a radiator or other warm place then pop in your storage container. 

2. Wear It Often

Believe it or not, wearing your silver jewellery usually helps. The natural movement of the jewellery rubbing on the skin can slow down tarnishing—just be sure to wipe it clean and dry after wearing.

3. Keep It Clean

Wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove oils and dirt. Avoid leaving it out in the open, especially in humid rooms like bathrooms. 

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Take off your silver jewellery before swimming or using a hot tub, showering or applying beauty products. Chlorine, sunscreen, hairspray, and perfumes can all speed up tarnishing.

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How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver at Home

When tarnish appears, don’t worry—it’s often easy to clean, especially if you catch it early! Here are a few tried-and-true methods:

Polishing Cloth

A silver polishing cloth is a quick and gentle way to remove light tarnish. Cut off and keep a small piece of one in your jewellery box and use it regularly. Keep the rest of the cloth in a zip lock bag to keep it ‘fresh’ until you need another piece and you’ll find it’ll last you a long time.

Soap and Water

Mix mild dish soap with warm water, and gently scrub the silver using a soft cloth or a baby toothbrush to get in nooks and crannies. Rinse and dry thoroughly, don’t put it into storage whilst damp.

If the jewellery contains stones or strung beads or pearls, this might not be a good idea, always ask when you buy stone set jewellery for the best way to clean it.

Silver Dip or Cleaner

For heavier tarnish, commercial silver dips or specialised jewellery cleaners can help. Do note though that these are chemicals and can cause micro pitting on the surface of the metal so only use if all else fails. Follow the instructions carefully and wash well afterward.

Professional cleaning

Most jewellers shops will offer a cleaning service so worth a visit if your jewellery has gone beyond home cleaning. And remember that silver is a valuable precious metal and is worth restoring to its former glory.

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If you’ve already bought a piece of SilverRipples Jewellery I hope you’ll be wearing it for years to come but if you’d like it cleaned please get in touch, I’m sure I’ll be able to help.