Sterling silver is one of the most beautiful and enduring metals used in jewellery — but it does require a little care to keep it looking its best. Whether you've just received a new piece or want to restore the shine to a favourite, here's everything you need to know.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically copper. This copper content is what gives sterling silver its strength — but it also means the metal reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, causing the characteristic darkening known as tarnish. Tarnish is completely normal and doesn't damage the silver — it's simply a surface reaction that can be easily reversed.
Everyday Care Tips
- Wear it often. The natural oils in your skin actually help keep silver polished. Pieces worn regularly tend to tarnish less than those left sitting in a drawer.
- Put jewellery on last. Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup before putting on your silver. Chemicals in these products accelerate tarnishing.
- Remove before swimming or bathing. Chlorine (in pools) and salt water can damage silver and accelerate tarnish. Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or doing dishes.
- Remove during exercise. Sweat can cause tarnishing over time.
How to Clean Sterling Silver
For light tarnish and everyday cleaning:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth (a dedicated silver polishing cloth is ideal) and gently buff the surface in straight lines — not circular motions, which can cause fine scratches.
- For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water, gently clean with a soft cloth or soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing.
For heavier tarnish, a specialist silver cleaning solution or paste can be used — follow the product instructions carefully and rinse well.
Avoid: abrasive cloths, toothpaste (too abrasive), and ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with stones or delicate settings.
Storing Your Silver Jewellery
How you store silver makes a big difference to how quickly it tarnishes:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- Keep pieces in individual soft pouches or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratching and reduce air exposure.
- Anti-tarnish strips placed in your jewellery box absorb sulphur compounds and significantly slow tarnishing — well worth the small investment.
- Avoid storing silver in the bathroom, where humidity is high.
A Note on Silver with Stone Settings
If your silver jewellery features stones — such as kauri gum or pounamu — take extra care when cleaning. Avoid soaking the piece, as water can loosen settings over time. Clean around stones gently with a damp cloth rather than submerging the whole piece.
With a little regular attention, your sterling silver jewellery will remain beautiful for a lifetime — and often improves with age, developing a gentle patina that adds character and depth.
Have questions about caring for a specific piece? Get in touch — we're always happy to help. And if you're looking for a new piece to add to your collection, browse our full range here.