Jewelry Care Guide: Keeping Your Sterling Silver Beautiful for Years to Come
Share
Sterling silver is a timeless metal known for its beauty, versatility, and sentimental value. But like all fine things, it needs a little love to keep it looking its best. Whether your keepsake features a fingerprint, a nose texture, or a cherished handwritten message, here’s how to care for your silver jewelry so it stays as meaningful and beautiful as the day you received it.
The Truth About Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction between sterling silver (which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper) and elements in the air, especially sulfur and moisture. The result is a dull, dark coating that can make your jewelry look dirty or aged.
But tarnish is not a sign of poor quality. In fact, it’s completely normal and can be reversed with proper cleaning and care. You can learn more about tarnish in this blog post.
Daily Care Tips
-
Wear it often
Believe it or not, wearing your silver jewelry regularly actually helps prevent tarnish. Your skin’s natural oils create a barrier that slows oxidation. -
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals
Chemicals found in household cleaners, beauty products (like hairspray and lotion), and especially chlorinated water can accelerate tarnish or even permanently damage silver.
Never wear your jewelry in pools, hot tubs, or while using cleaning agents. -
Remove jewelry before certain activities
Take your jewelry off before exercising, gardening, swimming, showering, or doing dishes. While water itself won't hurt your silver, it can cause tarnish to develop more quickly—especially when combined with soap or sweat.
Storage Tips
When you're not wearing your jewelry:
-
Store it in an airtight bag
Oxygen is one of the main causes of tarnish, so limiting exposure to air helps slow the process. All of my pieces come with a resealable bag and anti-tarnish strip—please use them! They're simple tools that make a big difference. -
Keep it dry and cool
Moisture is another culprit, so avoid storing your jewelry in bathrooms or humid spaces. -
Store pieces separately
To prevent scratches and tangling, keep each piece in its own bag or compartment.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
-
Use a silver polishing cloth
Gently rub the surface with the jeweler's polishing pad that is included with your order to remove tarnish and restore shine. Avoid paper towels or tissues, which can scratch the metal. You can also follow up with this jewelry polishing cloth, which is available for purchase. -
DIY at-home cleaning
Occasionally, a deeper clean may be needed. Use warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush to gently clean your piece. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use chemical dips or abrasive cleaners, especially on pieces with textures, engraving, or patina. -
Professional cleaning
If your jewelry has heavy tarnish or delicate details, it’s best to have it professionally cleaned. I offer a free cleaning service for all keepsakes purchased from me. Feel free to contact me for details on how to get your keepsakes cleaned.
Additional Notes for Keepsake Jewelry
Many of my pieces feature patina to enhance fine details such as fingerprints, nose textures, or hand engraving. Patina is a surface treatment and may fade over time with wear and cleaning. To preserve these unique elements:
-
Clean only the raised areas with a polishing cloth.
-
Avoid excessive rubbing over engraved or textured sections.
-
Never soak jewelry with patina in chemical cleaners.
Final Thought: Love and Care Go Hand-in-Hand
Your jewelry is more than just metal—it holds meaning, memory, and heart. With just a bit of care, your piece will stay beautiful for many years to come.
Have questions or need help refreshing a piece? I’m always here to help. 💛
Shop A Timeless Impression to find your perfect keepsake!