It's always more of a pain to remove tarnish than it is to maintain your silver jewellery, so read on to learn how to keep your jewellery looking as good as the day you bought it.
It is very easy to keep your sterling silver jewellery looking its best, but only if you know how! I've compiled some tips below to help you to care for your beautiful new (and old) jewellery with ease.
Sterling silver is naturally susceptible to tarnish. Tarnished silver will become progressively more grey-black in colour and is most easily removed when it first becomes visible. This is the case for all sterling silver jewellery and is a completely natural oxidisation process. Of course, it is any jewellery owners mission to prevent this for as long as possible, and remove it once it occurs.
Tip #1 - Don't swim in your jewellery and avoid moisture, creams and perfumes.
Do not swim or shower in your jewellery, and avoid exposing your jewellery to perfumes, make-up and hairsprays. Moisture and unnecessary chemicals will increase the rate at which your jewellery tarnishes. Have you ever noticed silver left in the bathroom seems to dull more quickly? The steam is accelerating the process! Of course you can still use beauty products and own silver jewellery. Simply apply your moisturisers, creams and perfumes before you put your jewellery on to avoid over exposure.
Tip #2 - How to keep your pieces clean.
Silver jewellery can be washed in warm water with a mild soap. Completely dry it with a soft lint free, nonabrasive cloth before storing. Some textured jewellery can even withstand a soft toothbrush to help you to clean behind settings or in recesses, however, be mindful of your jewellery's finish! Don't use abrasive cloths on your highly polished jewellery as it may become scratched.
Tip #3 - How to polish your silver pieces to remove tarnish.
Specialist silver polishing cloths are ideal companions to your jewellery. 100% cotton infused with special silver cleaners. If you're wondering how to remove tarnish build up most effectively from your silver jewellery, this is the best choice. You can purchase specialist polishing cloths online.
Tip #4 - Please don't use 'silver dips'.
Do not use silver dips. These 'clean' your jewellery by removing the surface of the metal, and once used you'll find you need to clean your items more regularly as they will be more susceptible to tarnish. Another great way to ruin a beautifully polished piece is to scrub it with toothpastes and toothbrushes. They are too abrasive! Acids and abrasives are not your friend. Silver jewellery resists tarnish the longest when the surface is smooth and polished.
Tip #5 - Store your silver jewellery properly.
Store your jewellery in a dry cool and dark place. Use a jewellery box, cloth wraps or even zip lock bags. Reducing the moisture your silver jewellery is exposed to will prolong its finish.
Top Tip
You can keep all those silica sachets provided with other products, (the things that say do not eat in handbags) to be used to store with your sterling silver jewellery. They'll eat up all and any moisture and keep tarnish at bay.
I hope this advice helps you to fall in love once more with your sterling silver jewellery collection. If you would like to add to it, take a look at the geometric collections in my webshop, or if you have a particular design in mind feel free to get in touch to discuss a bespoke commission.