The Ultimate Guide to Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

What makes sterling silver jewelry timeless and elegant and suitable for so many tastes is one day brilliant shining and the very next, resembles some piece uncovered in an archeological excavation. 

But guess what? 

When done properly, silver jewelry need never be in this pitiable condition again—today or on that next Monday.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver does not tarnish overnight for no good reason. It is, in fact, a natural process, known as oxidation. When silver combines with the constituents in the air, especially sulphur and moisture, it forms a dark deposit known as tarnish.

Science Behind Tarnishing

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, and the remaining 7.5% is made of other metals that are usually copper. Silver is not tarnished, but copper is very reactive. It is like that friend who just cannot stay out of drama—exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals, copper sparks the tarnish reaction.

Tarnish Cause

1. Humidity & Air Pollution: The tarnishing will be faster in humid places, if you reside there.
2. Beauty Care Products: Perfumes, lotions, and hair sprays give a protective film. This accelerates the tarnishing process. 
3. Sweat & Oil: There are some people whose skin chemistry reacts more intensely with silver and causes rapid tarnishing. Most sterling silver necklaces lose their shine because of this.
4. High Sulfur Environment: There are some home cleaners, hot springs, food items like eggs and onions which cause silver to tarnish quickly.

Daily Habits that prevent Tarnishing

The best way to keep your silver jewelry looking brand-new is through a little preventive care. You don't have to spend hours cleaning it; you only need special consideration when it comes to dressing and storage.

Dressing and Storing It Right: Dos and Don'ts

1. Put on silver jewelry after applying lotions, perfumes, or sprays.
2. Do not wear jewelry when you swim, exercise, or use cleaning chemicals.
3. Store responsibly when not wearing. Especially your sterling silver rings.
4. Avoid wearing silver jewelry when preparing foods containing sulfur, like eggs, garlic, and onions.
5. Never put it in a humid environment, like a bathroom
6. Don't mix it with other jewelries. Silver is super sensitive to scratching

Daily Cleaning: Quick Wipe

Simple habit that can make a difference? Cleaning up your jewelry immediately after wearing them. Mostly, sterling silver earrings are worn, so try keeping good care of them. Use mild microfiber or jeweller polishing cloth to rub off oils and moisture causing it to tarnish. It might take less than a minute and will prolong its life by hundreds of times.

Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Sterling Silver

Silver jewelry will always require a deep clean every now and then, even if one has been thoroughly caring for it. Here are some good and safe methods by which its shine can be regained.

The Classic Soap and Water Method

This is the safest, but also easiest method to clean sterling silver.

• Mix several drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution.
• Rub the jewelry lightly, paying particular attention to tarnished areas.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry well with a lint-free cloth.

This is one technique that really works. If your silver is very uncooperative and tarnished, read on. Put a used piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of a shallow bowl that hides itself from bright reflection. Fill with hot water to cover and add 1 tsp of baking soda to the water.

Add your silver jewelry to the bowl. Make sure that it touches the foil.

Let it sit for a few minutes, the tarnish will be transferred to the foil.

Rinse well and dry.

Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub

Tarnish is softened by the acidity of lemon juice; salt acts as a mild abrasive.

Mix lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and rub the jewelry gently.

Rinse with water and dry.

Toothpaste Trick: Myth or Miracle?

Toothpaste is the next best thing, but a bit dodgy. If you are going to use it, use non-gel, fluoride-free toothpaste and apply with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Gentle is the key- some toothpastes are too abrasive and can scratch silver.

Store-Bought Cleaners: Are They Worth It?

There are many over-the-counter commercial silver cleaners, but not all are safe. Still, if you have to clean your jewelry, be sure that it is sterling silver-specific cleaner and one with no harsh chemicals.

Proper Storage to Maintain the Shine for a Long Time

Just as with cleaning, how you store your jewelry matters too.

Anti-Tarnish Bags & Cloths

Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches or cover with soft cloths. Place a piece of chalk or silica gel pack inside your jewelry box and watch how it absorbs the moisture inside.

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Store silver in a cool, dry place
• Keep pieces separate to prevent scratching
• Do not store pieces in plastic bags as some will trap moisture, contributing to tarnishing.
• Special Care with Gemstone Paved Silver Jewelry
• If you possess gemstone jewelry, you must take special care while cleaning that.

Cleaning Without Harming the Stones

Do not drown your silver with gems in the water or cleansing solutions. The silver may clean with a wet cloth and with mild soap; do not immerse water with the gems.

Some Precautions with Other Gems - 

Soft stones such as pearls, opals, and turquoise are porous and absorb water. Clean them using only a dry cloth.

Hard stones like diamonds and sapphires can stand mild acids and gentle soap and water but not harsh chemicals, though.

What Not to Do: Silly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Silver

Here are a few bad habits that can permanently damage silver jewelry; thus avoid the following common mistakes

Household Products That Hate Silver

Bleach (Instant silver killer!!)

Vinegar (Too acidic)

Ammonia (Discolours silver slowly)

Swimming, Showering, and Other Bad Habits

Chlorine, saltwater, and even tap water can tarnish silver. Always take off your jewelry when swimming or bathing.

Professional Cleaning: When to Take It to the Experts

There are times when professional cleaning is necessary. If your silver jewelry is far gone and beyond any DIY cleaning method, then it's probably time to take it to a professional.

When Your Jewelry Needs Professional Cleaning?

When you can see that it has undergone heavy discoloration that can't be repaired by home remedies.

There’s Deep scratches or dents.

Or if your ring has got loose gemstones, take it to a professional so that the jeweler can set them in place while cleaning them.

Find a jeweler that specializes in sterling silver and has experience with fragile goods.

Beautiful sterling silver are love, yes; however, it does need a little TLC to keep that shine. Sometimes, it's just good habits such as storing it correctly, cleaning regularly, and staying away from strong chemicals. Treat your silver with care, and it will take care of looking fabulous for years to come.