Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, to enhance durability. It’s commonly used in jewelry  and is often marked "925" to indicate its silver content.  Silver jewelry tarnishes because it reacts with certain elements in the air, particularly sulfur. When silver is exposed to air, it slowly turns dark or dull, which is what we call tarnishing.

Here’s why it happens:

  1. Air Exposure: Silver naturally reacts with sulfur in the air, forming a thin layer that makes the jewelry look less shiny over time. This happens even in clean air, though pollution can speed it up.

  2. Humidity: Damp or humid environments can cause silver to tarnish faster. So if you live in a humid area, your silver jewelry might need more frequent cleaning.  

  3. Everyday Contact: Silver can tarnish when it touches certain everyday items, like rubber bands, wool, or even foods like eggs and onions. These contain sulfur, which reacts with silver.

  4. Skin and Lotions: Oils from your skin, perfumes, and lotions can also make silver tarnish quicker. The chemicals in these products can speed up the reaction that causes tarnishing.

In everyday life, it’s common to see silver jewelry lose its shine.

To store silver jewelry properly and prevent tarnishing, follow these best practices:
1. Use Anti-Tarnish Materials:
  • Anti-tarnish strips or cloth: Store silver jewelry with anti-tarnish strips or in pouches lined with anti-tarnish fabric to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.
  • Silica gel packs: Place silica gel packs in your jewelry box to reduce moisture and humidity, which can accelerate tarnishing.

2. Individual Storage:

  • Separate compartments: Store each piece of silver jewelry in a separate compartment or pouch to prevent scratching and tarnishing caused by contact with other metals.
  • Soft cloth pouches: Use soft cloth or felt-lined pouches or bags for each item to protect the surface.

3. Avoid Exposure to Air and Light:

  • Airtight containers: Store your silver jewelry in airtight containers to minimize exposure to air, which can cause oxidation and tarnishing.
  • Dark storage: Keep jewelry in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause discoloration.

4. Clean Before Storing:

  • Clean jewelry: Ensure your silver jewelry is clean and dry before storing. Use a soft cloth to remove oils, dirt, and moisture that could lead to tarnish.

  • Polishing is an effective method for cleaning silver when tarnishing isn't too severe. 

    Since silver is a soft metal, it can scratch easily. It's best to use a special silver polishing cloth, but a microfiber or other soft, non-abrasive cloth will work as well. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they contain fibers that can scratch the silver.

    When polishing, use long, back-and-forth motions following the grain of the silver. Avoid rubbing in circles, as this can amplify any tiny scratches. Frequently switch to a clean section of your cloth to prevent reapplying tarnish to the silver. For small, detailed areas, a Q-tip can be helpful.

5. Avoid Humid Environments:

  • Low humidity: Store jewelry in a low-humidity environment. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where moisture levels are high.

6. Regular Inspection:

  • Check for tarnish: Regularly inspect your jewelry for signs of tarnish, and clean it if necessary to maintain its shine.

By following these steps, you can keep your silver jewelry looking beautiful and prevent tarnishing over time.
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