Silver lovers, this one's for you! We understand your passion for the cool, shining tone of silver and want to help you keep it looking its best for as long as possible. So, let's dive right in and explore some tips and tricks to maintain that beautiful shine.

Pure Silver VS. Sterling Silver VS. Silver-Plated

When you're shopping for silver jewellery, you'll come across three main types: pure silver, sterling silver, and silver-plated.

Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% silver. It's incredibly soft and malleable, making it less practical for everyday jewellery. While it's beautiful, it's prone to scratches and dents.

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is your go-to for durable yet affordable luxury. It's made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This blend gives it strength and durability, making it perfect for daily wear. You'll often see it stamped with "925" or "Sterling".

Silver-plated jewellery is made by coating a base metal with a thin layer of silver. While it looks like silver initially, the plating can wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath.

Which is better? Our suggestion is choosing sterling silver for the perfect balance of quality, durability, and affordability in your everyday jewellery.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver does tarnish over time. This occurs when a thin layer of corrosion forms on the metal's surface, giving it a dull grey or black appearance. The good news is that this tarnish can be reversed through gentle cleaning, which we will discuss shortly in the next section.

There are several factors that can accelerate tarnishing, including high humidity, air pollution, cosmetic products (such as perfume, hairspray, deodorant, and moisturisers), certain materials (such as rubber, leather, and some plastics), and smoke (including fireplace smoke).

To keep your sterling silver looking its best, it is important to avoid exposing it to these elements that cause tarnish. Interestingly, wearing your sterling silver jewellery can actually help slow down the tarnishing process, as the natural oils from your skin act as a protective barrier. When you are not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an anti-tarnish bag or box.

What household products can be used for cleaning sterling silver?

To clean sterling silver at home, you can use a mixture of warm water and common household products. Here are 3 simple cleaning solutions that we recommend:

1. Gentle Soap Soak: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild, ammonia-free dish soap.
2. Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste by combining baking soda and water.
3. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Mix: Combine ½ cup of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

These solutions are effective and easy to make using items you likely already have at home. Give them a try and enjoy the shine of your sterling silver!

How to clean sterling silver jewellery: 3 easy steps

Cleaning your sterling silver jewellery is easier than you might think. Follow this simple 3-step process to keep your pieces sparkling:

1. Make a solution: In a bowl, mix ½ cup of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Dip: Submerge your sterling silver pieces in the solution for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on their condition.
3. Polish: Gently rub the piece or use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dirt or tarnish from the surface.
4. Finish: Rinse the jewellery with lukewarm water and pat it dry thoroughly.

Tips for Cleaning Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling silver earrings are often intricate pieces that may feature gems or delicate designs. Therefore, it is important to handle them with care when cleaning.

For regular cleaning:

1. Gently remove your sterling silver earrings
2. Place them in a cleaning solution made of water and salt for a few minutes,
3. Remove them and pat them dry with a soft cloth.

If there is some mild tarnishing, mix baking soda with a few drops of water and soak the earrings for 30 minutes. Gently clean the earrings with a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Dry them with a soft cloth.

SHOP SILVER EARRINGS

Tips for cleaning sterling silver necklaces

Sterling silver chains can easily tarnish from contact with lotions, perfumes, and sweat, as they are in constant contact with the skin. To maintain their shine and extend their lifespan, follow these simple cleaning and storage steps:

1. Place your sterling silver necklaces in a cleaning solution.
2. Allow them to sit for a few minutes (longer if needed) 
3. Rinse the necklaces with clean water.
4. Dry them thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
5. Store them in a dark, cool place and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or moisture.

SHOP SILVER NECKLACES

Tips for cleaning sterling silver rings

Just like sterling silver necklaces, sterling silver rings also require regular cleaning to maintain their shine. Since rings are in constant contact with the skin and are more prone to exposure to chemicals, it is important to take proper care of them.

To clean your silver rings, follow these steps:

1. Place your rings in your preferred cleaning solution.
2. Allow them to sit for a few minutes, or longer if they are already tarnished.
3. Rinse the rings in warm water.
4. Gently dry them with a soft cloth.

When cleaning gemstone-studded rings, be careful not to damage the gemstones. For heavily tarnished rings, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Always remember to be gentle when cleaning your silver rings.

Tips for cleaning sterling silver bracelets

As they are both made of chains, sterling silver bracelets follow the same cleaning method with sterling silver necklaces.

For everyday care, simply wipe down your bracelet after each wear and ensure it's completely dry before storing. Be gentle, especially when handling intricate designs or gems.