5 Simple Tips to Care for Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry is a timeless and classic choice that is loved by jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Its unique blend of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, gives it strength and durability that is perfect for everyday wear. However, as with any precious metal, sterling silver jewelry requires proper care to maintain its luster and shine for years to come. That's why we've put together five essential tips to help you care for your sterling silver jewelry, so you can continue to enjoy its beauty and elegance for years to come.

From storing your sterling silver jewelry correctly to cleaning it regularly and avoiding harsh chemicals, our tips will help you keep your jewelry in pristine condition. You'll also learn about the benefits of investing in high-quality sterling silver jewelry with durable finishes, such as brushed or satin finishes, which are less likely to show wear and tear. And if your jewelry becomes heavily tarnished or scratched, we'll show you how to identify when it's time to take it to a professional jeweler for polishing.

So, if you're a lover of sterling silver jewelry or are considering purchasing your first piece, be sure to read on to discover how to care for and maintain your precious jewelry investment. Our tips are easy to follow and will help you keep your sterling silver jewelry looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Here are 5 tips on how to care for your sterling silver jewelry in general:

1. Store it properly:

Proper storage is an essential aspect of caring for your sterling silver jewelry. Storing your jewelry in the right way can protect it from scratches and damage, and also prevent tarnish from forming. The best way to store your jewelry is in a soft, padded jewelry box or bag. This will help to cushion your jewelry and prevent it from getting scratched by other objects.

If you don't have a jewelry box or bag, you can also use a plastic bag with a zip closure. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent tarnish from forming. It's important to note that you should avoid storing your sterling silver jewelry in a damp or humid environment. Moisture can cause the silver to tarnish and damage the piece over time.

If you have multiple pieces of sterling silver jewelry, it's best to store them separately to avoid scratching or tangling. You can use small individual bags or compartments within a jewelry box to keep each piece of jewelry organized and protected. Proper storage can go a long way in extending the life of your sterling silver jewelry and keeping it in good condition for years to come.

2. Clean it regularly:

Proper cleaning is essential to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking its best. While sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time, regular cleaning can help remove tarnish and prevent it from building up. Tarnish forms when the silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, which creates a black or gray film on the surface of the metal. If left unchecked, tarnish can damage the jewelry and cause it to lose its luster.

There are several ways to clean your sterling silver jewelry, including using a commercial silver cleaning solution or making your own cleaning solution at home. One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your jewelry at home is to mix equal parts hot water and baking soda in a small bowl. Soak your jewelry in the mixture for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth to gently scrub it. Be sure to use a soft cloth, as anything abrasive can scratch the surface of the silver.

If you prefer to use a commercial cleaning solution, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before use. Some cleaning solutions are not suitable for all types of jewelry, so it's important to choose one that is appropriate for your sterling silver pieces. Once you've cleaned your jewelry, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any residue and dry it carefully with a soft cloth.

Regular cleaning is key to keeping your sterling silver jewelry looking its best, but it's important to avoid over-cleaning. Over time, excessive cleaning can cause the silver to wear down and lose its shine. As a general rule, clean your jewelry only when it needs it, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the surface of the silver. With proper care and maintenance, your sterling silver jewelry can last for many years to come, providing you with timeless style and beauty.

3. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals:

Harsh chemicals can wreak havoc on your sterling silver jewelry, causing it to lose its shine and luster. If you want to keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come, it's essential to avoid exposing it to chemicals that can damage it. For example, chlorine and bleach can cause your sterling silver to oxidize and tarnish, which can be difficult to remove. Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can also be harmful to your jewelry, as the chemicals in these products can react with the silver and cause it to discolor.

If you're heading to the pool or the beach, make sure to remove your sterling silver jewelry beforehand. Chlorine and saltwater can both be damaging to your jewelry, and prolonged exposure can cause it to tarnish and lose its shine. When you're doing household chores or using cleaning products, it's also a good idea to take off your jewelry to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals.

Another common culprit that can damage your sterling silver jewelry is sweat. If you're wearing your jewelry while exercising or doing other strenuous activities, be sure to remove it and wipe it down with a soft cloth afterward. The acidity in your sweat can cause your jewelry to tarnish and become discolored over time.

By taking these precautions and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, you can help to ensure that your sterling silver jewelry stays looking shiny and new for years to come. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to caring for your jewelry, so take the time to properly care for and store your pieces to keep them in top condition.

4. Remove it before exercising or performing manual labor:

When it comes to caring for your sterling silver jewelry, prevention is always better than cure. Removing your jewelry before engaging in physical activities like exercising or performing manual labor can help prevent scratches, dents, or other damages to your precious pieces. While it's understandable that you may want to wear your jewelry all the time, it's important to understand that everyday activities can cause damage to your jewelry over time.

If you're someone who loves to wear their jewelry all the time, consider investing in high-quality sterling silver jewelry with a durable finish. These finishes, such as brushed or satin finishes, are specifically designed to be more resistant to scratches and wear and tear. Additionally, they're less likely to show any signs of damage, meaning your jewelry will look great for longer. So, next time you're shopping for sterling silver jewelry, make sure to look for pieces with durable finishes to ensure that they'll last for years to come.

5. Get it professionally polished:

Getting your sterling silver jewelry professionally polished is a great way to give it a fresh, new look. Over time, sterling silver naturally tarnishes and loses its shine, and even regular cleaning may not be enough to restore it to its original condition. That's where a professional polish comes in. A skilled jeweler can carefully remove scratches and tarnish from your jewelry and give it a high-quality shine that will last for years to come.

Before taking your jewelry in for a professional polish, it's important to determine whether it's actually necessary. One easy way to do this is to perform a simple test. Grab a piece of white paper and place it next to your jewelry. If the paper appears yellow in comparison to your jewelry, it's a sign that your jewelry needs to be polished. This yellow color indicates that there is tarnish on the surface of your jewelry, which is causing it to look dull.

If you've determined that your jewelry needs to be polished, it's best to take it to a professional jeweler. While there are DIY polishing kits available, it's easy to damage your jewelry if you don't know what you're doing. A professional jeweler has the skills and tools needed to polish your jewelry safely and effectively. They can also inspect your jewelry for any signs of damage or wear and recommend any necessary repairs.

In addition to restoring the shine and luster of your jewelry, getting it professionally polished can also help to protect it from future damage. A high-quality polish can leave a protective coating on your jewelry, making it more resistant to tarnish and scratches. This can help to extend the life of your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Overall, getting your sterling silver jewelry professionally polished is a great way to maintain its beauty and ensure that it lasts for years to come. By following the other tips in this article, such as storing your jewelry properly and cleaning it regularly, you can help to keep it in good condition and avoid the need for frequent polishing.

By following these simple care tips, you can keep your sterling silver jewelry looking beautiful for years to come. And if you're wondering how sterling silver compares to other types of silver, here are a few key points to consider:

Sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This combination makes it stronger and more durable than pure silver, which is softer and more prone to scratching. In fact, pure silver is too soft to be used for jewelry and other practical objects, so it is often mixed with other metals to increase its strength.

Sterling silver is also more affordable than other types of silver, such as white gold and platinum. While these metals may have a brighter and more lustrous appearance, they are also more expensive and may require more frequent maintenance.

For example, white gold is actually made from yellow gold that has been mixed with other white metals, such as nickel or palladium. To give it a bright, white appearance, it is then coated with a thin layer of rhodium, which can wear off over time and require re-plating. Platinum, on the other hand, is a very dense and heavy metal that requires special care to maintain its shine.

In contrast, sterling silver is an excellent choice for those who want a beautiful and durable piece of jewelry at a more affordable price point. With proper care, it can maintain its shine and beauty for many years to come.

So, whether you're a lover of sterling silver jewelry or are considering purchasing your first piece, remember to follow these simple care tips to keep it looking beautiful and new. Happy accessorizing!

Check out one of our most popular sterling silver jewelry pieces: 
1ct Round Cut Moissanite Amulet Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver

Want to know more about sterling silver jewelry? Take a look at some of our other blog posts related to sterling silver jewelry:
Why Buy Silver Jewelry Instead of Other Materials?