How To Care for Sterling Silver

The most important factor in caring for pieces like sterling silver chains is to keep moisture at bay. Avoid storing it in bathrooms or near kitchens to prevent signs of tarnishing. It’s also a good idea to store pieces separately in anti-tarnish bags when they’re not being worn. Alternatively, place anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to discourage tarnish.

Occasionally, clean your silver jewelry with a soft cloth or a specific silver polishing cloth. Every so often, wipe them down with a mix of gentle soap and water to remove body oils. Be sure to dry it completely after rinsing. And avoid exposing pieces to harsh chemicals; wear gloves if needed to protect things like rings or bracelets.

Understanding Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a mix of pure silver combined with other alloys like copper or zinc. These other metals help the silver retain its beauty, but make it stronger and easier to mold. Silver on its own can be a little soft, but a sterling silver piece makes it strong enough to hold gemstones.

For sterling, the usual ratio is 92.5 silver mixed with 7.5 percent other metals; that’s why you’ll find a “925” marking stamped on the piece. The other markings to indicate its authenticity are “STERLING” or “STER.”

Silver-plated jewelry is different. It places a very thin coating of silver over a base metal like copper. It’s lighter and has a shorter lifespan than sterling silver.

While pure silver is hypoallergenic, the fact that sterling contains other metals like copper or zinc may result in a skin reaction for some wearers. Always ask and test it before purchasing.

Best Practices for Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

Wondering how to clean a sterling silver necklace or other pieces? To clean sterling silver jewelry, it’s a good idea to regularly take a soft cloth to your pieces.  Every so often, wipe them down with a mix of mild soap and water.  For a deeper cleaning, dipping a soft toothbrush into a baking soda paste gets into any crevices. 

After rinsing, make sure that the piece is completely wiped dry.

Use a Soft Cloth

A lint-free cloth is a great way to shine up your jewelry and remove daily dirt and body oils.

Mild Soap and Water

Occasionally, briefly soaking your sterling silver jewelry in a mix of gentle soap and warm water is a good practice. Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

DIY Baking Soda Paste

To remove any grit or tarnish that’s gotten into crevices, mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste. Use a soft toothbrush and gently work it in, then rinse and dry.

Preventive Care: Avoiding Tarnish and Damage

Heat and moisture are the two main things that cause sterling silver to tarnish. Fortunately, there are some very simple practices that can keep your jewelry pieces looking gorgeous and spot-free.

Avoid Humidity and Sulphides in the Air

If you’re wearing your jewelry in humid environments (like at the beach) or those where chemicals are in the air (from plants that process oil, chemicals, paper, sewage, and the like), take a little extra care. Wipe the jewelry down before storing it, and use anti-tarnish strips or bags.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Chemicals can damage sterling silver, so either remove rings and bracelets before coming into contact with them or wear gloves. If you’re undergoing any kind of hair treatment (straightening, color, etc.), take off your earrings or necklace.

Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

Give your jewelry a break from extended periods in harsh sunlight. Store it in a cool, dark place to avoid tarnish.

Polish Your Jewelry

Keep your pieces beautiful by shining them up on a regular basis. Either use a silver polishing cloth or a little dab of silver polish with a lint-free rag.

Wear Your Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry is meant to be worn!  Show it off, but use a few simple techniques to keep it tarnish-free from the everyday elements.

Storing Sterling Silver Jewellery

Use these proven tips to properly store your sterling silver pieces so that you can enjoy years of beautiful wear.

-Use an Airtight Container

Humidity and light can cause sterling silver to oxidize and tarnish. Store each piece in an airtight container or an anti-tarnish bag.

-Keep Away from Other Metals

Don’t allow sterling silver to touch other metal pieces in your jewelry collection.  Store them separately whenever possible.

 -Use Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-tarnish strips are special pieces of paper that absorb moisture and gases that can trigger tarnishing in silver jewelry. Just place them inside your jewelry box.

Final Thoughts

Sterling silver jewelry is a dazzling part of any wardrobe. It’s clean-looking, elegant, and holds up beautifully over time. Forever Golden is proud to offer permanent jewelry in New Jersey, including gorgeous silver pieces. We carry permanent necklaces, anklets, rings, and forever bracelets. They’re designed to look beautiful for years to come. See what we have to offer and shop our store!