How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery: A Jeweller's Guide
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Sterling silver is made to be worn, and the more you wear it, the more it becomes yours. With a little care, your handmade pieces will keep their shine for years. Here's how I look after silver in my Bronte studio, and how you can at home.
Why silver tarnishes
Sterling silver reacts with air, moisture and chemicals, which slowly darkens its surface. It's completely natural and easy to reverse. Some of my pieces are deliberately oxidised to give them depth, so don't polish those dark areas away.
Everyday care
- Put it on last. Apply perfume, hairspray and lotion first, then your jewellery.
- Take it off for the ocean and the pool. Saltwater and chlorine are hard on silver.
- Wear it often. Gentle everyday wear actually helps keep silver bright.
Storing your silver
Keep each piece in a cool, dry place, ideally in its own pouch or the box it arrived in, so pieces don't scratch each other. A small sachet of silica gel in your jewellery box helps keep moisture away.
Cleaning and polishing
For a quick refresh, buff gently with a silver polishing cloth. Use light, straight strokes rather than circles. For pieces with stones, pearls or resin, polish only the metal and avoid harsh dips or chemicals.
Gold-plated pieces
Gold plating is a fine layer over sterling silver, so treat it gently. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth instead of polishing, and keep it away from water and perfume to make the plating last.
When to bring it back to me
If a piece needs more than a polish, such as a repair, resizing or a deep clean, get in touch. I'm always happy to look after the jewellery I've made.
For the full guide, see my jewellery care page.
