Looking After Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver jewellery has been a beloved choice for centuries. Many contemporary pieces, including much of our collection, feature a beautiful satin finish that provides a soft, matte finish. Whether your sterling silver jewellery has a satin finish or a high polish, proper care can ensure it maintains its beauty for generations to come. In this guide, we'll explore the best way to care for your sterling silver jewellery.

Understanding Sterling Silver and Satin Finish

Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition gives sterling silver its strength and durability, but it also makes it susceptible to tarnishing – a dark discoloration that occurs when silver reacts with sulphur in the air.
 
The satin finish we give most of our jewellery, also known as a brushed finish, is created by lightly abrading the surface of the silver to create a soft, matte appearance.

Daily Care: Looking after your jewellery

One of the best ways to care for your sterling silver jewellery, regardless of finish, is to wear it regularly. The oils in your skin help keep the silver looking its best and can slow down the tarnishing process. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind, especially for satin finish pieces:

• Put it on last: Apply any cosmetics, perfumes, or hairsprays before putting on your silver jewellery. These products can contain chemicals that can accelerate tarnishing.
• Remove during activities: Take off your silver jewellery before swimming, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine, sweat, and harsh chemicals can damage the silver and alter the satin finish.
• Gentle cleaning: Occasionally, gently wipe your silver jewellery with a soft silver cloth. For satin finish pieces, always wipe in the direction of the grain to maintain the texture of the finish.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Here are some effective methods to use to clean your jewellery:

Soap and Water Method

For light tarnish or regular maintenance:

• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the silver, following the grain for satin finish pieces.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth, again following the grain for satin finishes.

Baking Soda Paste

For more stubborn tarnish (use cautiously on satin finishes):

• Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water.
• Apply the paste to the silver with a soft cloth, rubbing very gently and following the grain for satin finishes.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Note: Be extra gentle when using this method on satin finish pieces, as the baking soda can potentially alter the texture if rubbed too vigorously.

The Aluminium Foil Method

For heavily tarnished pieces (safe for satin finishes):

• Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
• Place your silver jewellery on the foil.
• Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda over the jewellery.
• Pour hot water into the bowl, making sure the jewellery is submerged.
• Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, wiping in the direction of the grain for satin finishes.

This method is particularly good for satin finishes as it removes tarnish without physical abrasion.

Professional Cleaning

For valuable or intricate pieces, consider professional cleaning. Jewellers have specialised tools and solutions that can clean your silver without risking damage to the finish.

Proper Storage: Keeping Tarnish at Bay

How you store your sterling silver jewellery when it's not being worn is crucial to preventing tarnish:

• Keep it dry: Ensure your silver is completely dry before storing.
• Use airtight containers: Store pieces individually in airtight plastic bags or containers. Specially designed anti-tarnish bags are an excellent option.
• Add a desiccant: Silica gel packets can help absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.
• Chalk trick: Place a piece of chalk in your jewellery box. It will absorb excess moisture and help prevent tarnish.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Store your silver jewellery in a cool, dark place.
• Separate your metals: Store silver pieces separately from other metals to prevent scratching and potential chemical reactions.

What to Avoid

To keep your sterling silver in top condition, especially pieces with a satin finish, avoid:

• Harsh chemicals: Chlorine, bleach, and other strong chemicals can damage silver. 
• Rubber bands: The sulphur in rubber can cause tarnishing.

A Word on Patina

While we often focus on keeping silver tarnish-free, it's worth noting that some people appreciate the subtle darkening that occurs over time, known as patina. This can add character to your pieces, especially on detailed or engraved areas. If you like this look, you can simply focus on keeping your silver clean rather than fighting every sign of tarnish. Satin finish pieces often develop a particularly beautiful patina over time.

The Beauty of Proper Care

Caring for your sterling silver jewellery doesn't have to be a chore. With regular wear, gentle cleaning, and proper storage, your silver pieces can continue to shine softly for years to come. Remember, each piece of silver jewellery tells a story – not just in its design or the memories it holds, but in the gentle patina it develops over time.