Care & Maintenance

Made of at least 92.5% pure silver, sterling silver is popular because of its affordability and malleability, but it can also tarnish quickly. 

CAN I WET MY STERLING SILVER PIECES?

• Yes, but …! Yes, you can shower, wash your hands, or do any activity that involves water and your pieces will not be harmed. That said, moisture helps produce tarnish. So, here are some tips of how best to care for and store your sterling silver.

PREVENT TARNISH WITH THESE TIPS

• Wear your sterling often: Your skin’s natural oils help keep sterling silver jewelry shiny. So, wear it instead of letting it sit in a jewelry box unworn.
• Remove during household chores or exercise: Substances like household cleaners, chlorinated water, rubber, and perspiration accelerate corrosion and tarnish. It’s a good idea to remove sterling silver completely before cleaning and during exercise.
• Keep out of direct sunlight: Before you enjoy the beach or pool, remove your sterling silver jewelry. Sunlight can cause it to tarnish.
• Put your jewelry on last: For generations, women have put on their jewelry last, and for a good reason! Lotions, makeups, hair spray, and perfumes accelerate tarnishing.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

Cleaning of sterling silver becomes more difficult the longer you let a piece accumulate tarnish. Thus, it’s best to provide regular cleanings to remove tarnish as it builds. Here are some cleaning methods that jewelers suggest. (Note: Do not use toothpaste. In the “old days” toothpastes were simple baking-soda-based pastes, but nowadays they may contain chemicals harmful to jewelry.) 

• Soap and water: Due to the gentleness of soap and water, this should be your first cleaning step before trying anything else but be aware that even soap today may contain harmful chemicals.
• Baking soda and water: Make a paste from baking soda and water, apply a small amount onto a cloth or a clean toothbrush and then scrub gently.

• White vinegar and baking soda: This cleaning method is great for removing heavy tarnish. Due to fizzing and foaming, mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 2 tbsp of baking soda in a sink or large dish. Now soak your sterling silver pieces for two to three hours. Then rinse with clear water and pat the sterling silver piece until completely dry.
• Finish with a polish: After you have given your jewelry a good cleaning and drying, finish the process by using a polishing cloth that’s specifically intended for sterling silver!

HOW TO PROPERLY STORE YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

• Use an air-tight container: Any container can be used to store your sterling silver so long as it is air-tight. Zip-lock bags work well enough, but you can also find specialty jewelry bags as a more attractive option.
• Keep in a cool, dark place: Sunlight, heat, and moisture accelerate tarnishing. Be sure to keep your silver in a cool, dark place.
• Store pieces individually: Storing your pieces separately prevents jewelry pieces from scratching or tangling with each other.
• Consider anti-tarnish strips: You can place anti-tarnish strips into your jewelry box to help prevent tarnishing.
• Do not store in paper, cardboard, or cotton-filled boxes: These boxes may contain traces of sulfur which will contribute to tarnishing.

PRODUCTS THAT HELP PREVENT TARNISH

• Store jewelry with chalk: Place a few pieces of chalk with your sterling silver. Chalk absorbs moisture and thus helps prevent tarnishing.
• Use silica packs: When you buy new clothing or shoes, sometimes you’ll find silica packs in with them. Save these and place them in your jewelry box. They are great for absorbing moisture.
• Anti-tarnish cloths: Lining your jewelry box with anti-tarnish cloths is a good idea. They absorb sulfur and moisture from the air and usually are chemically treated to prevent tarnish.