Sterling silver is known for its timeless beauty, soft shine, and everyday wearability — but like all precious metals, it can tarnish over time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why tarnishing happens, how to prevent it, and how to take care of both your sterling silver and gold-plated sterling silver pieces so they stay beautiful for years to come.
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Over time, sterling silver can oxidise and develop a slightly dull or darkened appearance. This is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when silver is exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals, especially those found in tap water, pools, or personal care products.
How to prevent your sterling silver jewellery from tarnishing
The areas of your jewellery that come into direct contact with skin, such as bracelet clasps, ring bands, or earring posts, are especially prone to tarnishing due to body oils, sweat, and skincare residue.
To keep your jewellery sparkling:
- Wipe it down regularly with a polishing cloth or soft microfibre cloth — ideally after each wear. This helps remove oil, dirt, and sweat that can lead to tarnishing.
- Avoid wearing your pieces in the shower, spa, or pool. While sterling silver is water-resistant, exposure to chemicals like chlorine or sulphur can accelerate the tarnishing process.
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Keep your jewellery away from perfume, hairspray, lotions, and other cosmetics. These products can react with the silver and affect its shine.
How to store sterling silver jewellery
When not in use, store your sterling silver earrings and necklaces in a dry, sealed container — like a pouch, jewellery box, or zip-lock bag. Keeping your pieces away from air and moisture helps slow down oxidation. You can also include anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs in your storage area for extra protection.
With proper care and storage, your sterling silver jewellery will maintain its shine and beauty for years to come.
What about gold-plated sterling silver jewellery?
At LYANG & CO., all our gold jewellery is crafted from 925 sterling silver plated with 18K or 14K gold. While this gives our pieces a luxurious look and feel, the gold plating is still a delicate surface layer, so a little extra care goes a long way.
Keep in mind:
- The gold layer will naturally wear over time. This is a normal part of wearing gold-plated jewellery. If you're looking for a gold finish that never fades, solid gold is your best option. However, even solid gold can lose its shine without regular care.
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Proper care helps preserve the gold plating.
Alongside the general care tips for sterling silver, here are a few extra ways to look after your gold-plated pieces:- Store each piece separately to avoid scratching or rubbing
- Avoid contact with hard metals or rough surfaces
- Remove before exercising, cleaning, gardening, or doing housework
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Keep away from water, sweat, and chemical cleaners
When cared for properly, your gold-plated jewellery will retain its shine and charm for many seasons to come.
Final Words
Jewellery is a beautiful part of your everyday expression, and taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits, like wiping it down, storing it properly, and removing it before certain activities, can keep your favourite sterling silver and gold-plated pieces shining for years.
Let your jewellery glow with you, not wear out before it needs to.
