925 sterling silver is a very popular material to make jewellery. Not only does it shine much more than stainless steel, but gifting real silver jewellery makes it that much more special. The only problem with sterling silver? It can tarnish, leaving it looking more and more dull over time.
925 sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. So long as those other metals aren’t nickel, sterling silver is considered hypoallergenic. We also stock 999 sterling silver earrings which are made from 99% sterling silver and 1% other metals, which are the perfect present for younger teenagers with more sensitive skin.
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver tarnishes over time because of how silver reacts to moisture in the air or on the skin. That chemical reaction creates a compound called silver sulfide which is generally black or grey on the surface of your jewellery.
If you’re seeing more of a green reaction, then it’s likely that this is the 7.5% copper element which is reacting to the air.
The good news is that the silver underneath the tarnishing is unaffected and you can easily clean your jewellery.
If you’re looking for jewellery which doesn’t tarnish, check out this article.
Daily Wear Tips
Unlike jewellery made from stainless steel, you shouldn’t wear your sterling silver jewellery all of the time. You can wear it daily but should take it off at night and avoid wearing it:
- When you shower
- When you are getting ready and applying lotions and perfume
- When swimming
- When exercising
These are all situations where your jewellery will encounter more moisture which will cause that chemical reaction.
Our top tip in the morning is to put your jewellery on last and take it off first.
Storing Sterling Silver Jewellery
The best place to store sterling silver jewellery is in a jewellery box in your bedroom. Bedrooms are generally low humidity and the jewellery box means that it’s not in any direct sunlight.
It’s also best to keep different pieces of jewellery separate so they don’t scratch against each other. You can use anti-tarnish pouches or clothes to keep them even more safe.
Maintaining & Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewellery
There are lots of hacks for cleaning sterling silver, but the best way to keep your necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings shining is to polish it regularly.
For a light cleaning, simply use a soft polishing cloth and wipe your piece down. You should decide how often you do this depending on how often you wear each piece of jewellery.
For more of a deep clean, you can mix mild dish soap (like fairy liquid) with water, soak the jewellery and then gently clean it with a soft toothbrush. But you should avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials and toothpaste (get a new toothbrush to do this!).
Heavily tarnished jewellery which is an heirloom or keepsake can also be sent to a professional. They can also address any damage to your piece. We recommend that you do this annually.
Summary
Really, the best way to maintain sterling silver jewellery is by preventing tarnishing to begin with. You can do this by:
- Rotating your jewellery regularly
- Ensuring that adding jewellery is the last thing you do in the morning and first thing you do before bed
- Avoiding your jewellery coming into contact with any excess moisture (like swimming or at the gym)
With proper care, your favourite sterling silver jewellery can last a lifetime which is why it makes the perfect present for those really special sweet sixteenth and eighteenth birthdays.
Shopping For Sterling Silver Jewellery? Explore Our Collection
