How to Care for Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is prized for its stunning lustre and shine, but maintaining its beauty requires proper care. Over time, silver jewellery naturally tarnishes and loses its sparkles. However, with the right techniques, you can keep your silver jewellery looking its best for years to come.
In this comprehensive guide, we share the best practices for caring for your silver jewellery. From preventing tarnishing to daily care advice, cleaning methods, and storage tips, you'll learn everything you need to know to preserve the beauty of your silver pieces.
Understanding Tarnish
Understanding what causes jewellery to tarnish is the first step to preventing it!
Silver tarnishing is a natural process caused by a chemical reaction between the silver metal and the sulphur-containing substances in the environment. This reaction forms a thin layer of corrosion on the surface of the metal, causing the jewellery to look dull, dark, and discoloured.
It's not just air pollution, high humidity, and chemical disinfectants that can cause this reaction; exposure to everyday products such as makeup and perfume, or even body oils and sweat, can accelerate tarnishing.
While tarnishing is often permanent when it happens to fast fashion jewellery made from cheap metals, when sterling silver tarnishes it can be easily removed by cleaning the jewellery. Tarnishing can be prevented by following a few daily care tips.
Daily Care Tips For Silver Jewellery
By incorporating these daily care tips into your routine, you can help preserve the beauty and shine of your silver jewellery for years to come.
Wear Your Jewellery
The easiest way to prevent sterling silver jewellery from tarnishing is to wear your jewellery regularly. When you wear your jewellery, it gently rubs against your skin and the fabric of your clothes, helping to clean the silver and keep it shiny.
Avoid Chemicals
Keep your silver jewellery away from household chemicals and everyday products, such as cosmetics and perfumes. These substances can cause tarnishing and damage the metal.
Apply Products First
When getting ready, apply lotions, cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your silver jewellery. Allow these products to dry completely to reduce direct exposure to chemicals.
Remove Before Activities
Always remove your silver jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine, saltwater, and sweat will speed up the tarnishing process and cause corrosion.
Use Proper Storage
When you're not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place, ideally an airtight jewellery box, container, or drawer. This will minimise exposure to air and moisture, protecting your pieces from tarnishing and accidental damage.
How to Clean Silver Jewellery
Restore your silver jewellery's shine by following these eco-friendly cleaning tips. All you need is a mild soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth.
Silver Polishing Cloth
Invest in a high-quality silver polishing cloth impregnated with special chemicals that remove tarnish and restore shine. Gently rub the jewellery with the cloth in a back-and-forth motion, not in circles, to avoid scratching.
Gentle Soap and Water
For regular cleaning, use a mild soap mixed with warm water. Soak your jewellery for a few minutes, then gently rub with a soft cloth to clean it. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and dry immediately.
Commercial Silver Cleaners
For more stubborn tarnish, use a commercial silver cleaner or take your jewellery to a professional jeweller for cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully, as some cleaners can be too harsh for delicate pieces.
How to Store Silver Jewellery
Proper storage is essential for keeping silver jewellery safe and tarnish-free. This is how to store silver jewellery to preserve its shine.
Jewellery Storage
The best way to keep silver jewellery safe is to it in an airtight jewellery box to minimise exposure to air, humidity, and products.
Anti-Tarnish Strips
Placing an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel packet in your jewellery storage box will absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.
Separate Pieces
Make sure to keep each piece of jewellery separate to avoid scratches and tangles. Use a storage box with separate compartments or individual soft cloth pouches.
