Caring for Your Sterling Silver
Pull out a ring or bracelet you haven't worn in a while and notice it looks a bit duller than you remember? That's tarnish, and it's completely normal. It's a sign that the silver is authentic and not plated. Cheap plated jewelry doesn't react at all, because there's no silver in it to begin with.
Why It Happens
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with a bit of copper, which gives it the strength to hold its shape in a ring or bracelet (pure silver alone is too soft). That copper is also part of why tarnish happens.
Silver naturally reacts with sulfur in the air, and small amounts of sulfur are everywhere: in humidity, in lotion and perfume, even in the natural oils on our skin. Over time, that reaction forms a thin layer on the surface, which is the dulling or darkening you're seeing.
A few things speed it up: humid climates, perfume or lotion contact, or leaving jewelry sitting untouched for long stretches. None of it means you've done anything wrong, and it's all fixable.
Bringing the Shine Back
Light tarnish: Rub gently with a soft polishing cloth until it shines again. Skip paper towels — they can leave tiny scratches.
Deeper tarnish: Soak the piece for a few minutes in lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap. Gently scrub crevices with an old, soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry completely with a soft cloth.
Skip these: toothpaste or baking soda (too abrasive), bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaners if your piece has natural stones.
Keeping It Shiny Longer
- Store pieces in a soft pouch, away from open air
- Put jewelry on after lotion or perfume, not before
- Take it off before swimming or showering
- Wear it often — regular wear actually helps keep the shine going
Have a piece with stones you're not sure how to clean? Just reach out, and we'd be happy to help.