How To Care for Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry is a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection and with proper care, can last a long time. From sterling silver rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings, you can’t go wrong when building your collection of beautiful pieces. 

But how do you safely care for sterling silver jewelry at home? We’re here to help with our favorite tips for how to limit tarnishing and oxidation, and how to clean sterling silver jewelry, so your jewelry is as bright and brilliant as the day you got it. 

Store Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Properly

The first thing to do (before learning how to clean sterling silver) when purchasing a new sterling silver necklace, bracelet, ring, or pair of earrings is to make sure you know how to store it properly. This is key to help prevent tarnishing. The following storage tips will help preserve your jewelry:

  • Always store sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from any moisture. Some people may want to store their jewelry in the bathroom so they remember to put it on every day, but the moisture from the shower can make jewelry tarnish more quickly. Instead, store it in a safe place outside of the bathroom. 

  • Store sterling silver jewelry in a jewelry bag or a jewelry box. A box lined with velvet or other soft material serves two purposes: helps absorb excess moisture before it tarnishes your jewelry and it separates your pieces. 

  • Store sterling silver jewelry away from other pieces. This reduces the risk of scratches, damages, and tarnishing. Sterling silver can react with other metals and tarnish faster. 

  • Store sterling silver jewelry anti-tarnish strips. Storing jewelry in their bag with anti-tarnish strips (pieces of paper that accompany jewelry) can help to reduce tarnish and keep jewelry looking vibrant longer. 

 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

  • Lotions

  • Self-tanners

  • Shampoos and conditioners

  • Body washes 

  • Hand soaps

  • Hand sanitizers

  • Dish soaps

  • Perfumes

  • Pools

  • Hot tubs

 Do’s:

  1. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or applying lotions and perfumes.

  2. Polish with 100% cotton or microfiber cloths.

  3. Store each piece individually in a soft bag or lined box.

 Don’ts:

  1. Standard jewelry cleaners. The chemicals used to make these products can wear off the delicate layer of gold.

  2. Avoid harsh contact with other metals, like hand weights during workouts.

  3. Anything with a low PH (sweat, lemon juice, vinegar) can affect the longevity of the plating and cause tarnishing. Go au natural and lose the jewels before exercising, cooking, or cleaning.

Investing in High-Quality Sterling Silver Jewelry

There are so many things to love about sterling silver jewelry, including the fact that it pairs well with so many outfits, it’s durable, beautiful, and affordable! Once you learn more about how to clean sterling silver jewelry, you’ll likely want to grow your collection because sterling silver is versatile and easy to maintain. 

Luckily, you don’t have to splurge to get high-quality sterling silver jewelry that you love. Here at La Maison Sahé we believe in providing everyone stunning jewelry at a price they can afford. Don’t forget to check out our complete collections of sterling silver jewelry to find your next favorite accessory.