How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery (and Keep It Shining)

Sterling silver is one of the most loved metals in jewellery: bright, timeless and easy to wear every day. With a little care, your favourite pieces will keep their shine for years. Here's everything you need to know.

What is 925 sterling silver?

Pure silver is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it's mixed with a small amount of other metals for strength. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It's durable enough to wear daily while keeping silver's beautiful bright tone.

Why does silver tarnish?

Tarnish is a natural reaction between silver and sulphur in the air, which leaves a dull, darker layer on the surface. Humidity, perfume, lotions, chlorine and even some foods can speed it up. The good news: tarnish sits on the surface and can be removed.

5 everyday habits to keep silver shining

1. Put it on last. Apply perfume, hairspray and moisturiser first, let them dry, then add your jewellery.
2. Take it off for water. Remove silver before swimming, showering, bathing or exercising. Chlorine and salt water are especially harsh.
3. Wear it often. Gentle contact with skin and clothes actually helps keep silver polished.
4. Wipe after wearing. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth removes oils before they build up.
5. Store it well. Keep each piece in a dry pouch or a lined jewellery box, away from air and moisture. Storing pieces separately also prevents scratches and tangled chains.

How to clean tarnished silver

For light tarnish, a silver polishing cloth is all you need. Rub gently in straight lines rather than circles. For a deeper clean, wash in lukewarm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Avoid toothpaste, baking soda pastes and harsh chemical dips on plated pieces or anything set with stones — they can scratch the surface, wear away plating or damage delicate stones like opal.

Caring for plated and stone-set pieces

Gold and rose gold plated pieces need extra gentleness: skip polishing cloths with chemical cleaners and simply wipe with a soft dry cloth. For opal, keep it away from long soaks in water and from hard knocks. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are much tougher and can be gently cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

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