How to care for sterling silver jewellery, and keep it shining for years

Sterling silver is made to be worn, and it rewards a little care. Nearly every “my silver went black” problem comes down to three things: moisture, chemicals, and storage. Get those right and your jewellery will keep its brilliance for years.

The golden rule: last on, first off

Put your jewellery on after perfume, hairspray, lotion and makeup, and take it off first when you get home. Cosmetics and perfume contain alcohol and sulphur compounds that dull silver and wear down finishes faster than anything else.

When to take it off

• Bathing, swimming and saunas
• Workouts and yoga (sweat is salty and acidic)
• Cleaning with detergents or bleach
• Cooking with onion, garlic or eggs, which are high in sulphur
• Sleeping, to avoid bending chains and catching settings

How to clean sterling silver at home

For everyday dullness

Wipe your piece with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after each wear. This removes skin oils and moisture before they cause tarnish, and is the single most effective habit you can build.

For a deeper clean

1. Mix a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap in a bowl of lukewarm water.
2. Soak the piece for two to three minutes.
3. Gently clean around settings with a very soft baby toothbrush.
4. Rinse in clean water and pat completely dry with a soft cloth. Never put silver away damp.

Avoid toothpaste, baking soda pastes and harsh dips on finished silver. They are abrasive and can strip rhodium and gold-tone layers.

Caring for rhodium and gold-tone finishes

Our pieces are finished in either rhodium or gold tone over solid 925 silver. These finishes resist tarnish, but they are surface layers, so treat them gently: no polishing cloths impregnated with chemicals, no abrasive pastes, just mild soap and a soft cloth.

Storing silver in humid weather

India’s humidity, especially in coastal cities and during the monsoon, is the biggest cause of tarnish. Store each piece in its own pouch or a lined jewellery box, keep chains fastened so they don’t tangle, and drop a silica gel sachet in with them. Keep jewellery out of the bathroom.

The best care of all: wear it

Silver that is worn regularly and wiped after use often looks better than silver left in a drawer. Natural skin contact gently polishes the surface. Find a piece you love, and wear it often.

Looking for something to wear every day? Browse our 9 to 5 edit or sterling silver bracelets.