Cleaning & Caring: Sterling Silver Jewellery

Cleaning specific jewellery pieces

Jewellery consists of many varied materials, metals, stones, gems, and organic materials.

Fine silver (99.9%) is too soft and malleable to be used in most jewellery uses. Sterling Silver is 92.5% fine silver alloyed with 7.5% other metals, typically copper to create a durable and hypoallergenic material. As with all things, unscrupulous dealers from unreliable sources may include the less expensive Nickle metal in the alloy.

Each material brings its own cleaning challenges. If in doubt, please just wipe your piece over with a soft cloth after each wear. This will remove dirt, grime, and body oils before you place it back into storage which will keep it looking its best longer.

In some designs the stones or focal pieces are glued into position and some cleaners (even water) may loosen the hold over time causing the focal to dislodge.

Regular Maintenance of Sterling Silver Jewellery

After each wear, gently wipe your sterling silver jewellery with a soft cotton or flannel cloth to remove dirt, grime, and body oils. This prevents buildup and maintains the shine of your jewellery.

Avoid using paper, polyester, or coarse fabrics for cleaning as they can cause scratches on the surface of the silver.

Use a special sterling silver cleaning cloth to gently polish your jewellery. These cloths are designed to remove tarnish and restore shine without scratching the surface.

Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewellery

Clean your sterling silver jewellery with a soft cotton or flannel cloth or a special sterling silver cleaning cloth. Remember, silver can scratch if you aren’t careful so rub it gently. You may also use a very soft bristle brush, like a baby’s toothbrush or a horsehair silver brush.

Alternatively, you can use a very soft bristle brush, such as a baby’s toothbrush or a horsehair silver brush, to clean intricate details or hard-to-reach areas of your jewellery.

It’s recommended that you don’t use chemicals on your silver jewellery as it can leave tiny pits causing it to tarnish faster.

Store your sterling silver jewellery in an airtight container* to minimize exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing. Ziplock bags or jewellery boxes with airtight seals are good options.

• *The caveat to this is if your design contains items such as Pearls or Opals which require air and moisture to prevent them from drying out.

Consider using anti-tarnish strips or pouches in your storage container to help absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.

Keep your silver jewellery away from direct sunlight and heat, as these factors can also contribute to tarnishing.

Be cautious with jewellery pieces where stones or focal pieces are glued into position. Avoid using cleaners that may loosen the hold over time, causing the stones to fall out.

If you’re unsure about cleaning a particular piece of jewellery, err on the side of caution and simply wipe it with a soft cloth.

If your sterling silver jewellery contains mixed metals, has intricate designs or delicate features, consider seeking professional cleaning or maintenance services from a jeweller.

By following these cleaning and caring tips, you can help preserve the beauty and longevity of your sterling silver jewellery for years to come.