Jewelry Care Guide
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This is why you'll often see sterling pieces marked with a .925 symbol somewhere on the piece. Adding copper to the alloy preserves the brightness of silver, but adds strength to it. A little bit of copper is why your silver jewelry lasts a lifetime.
Why does it tarnish?
Pure silver doesn't tarnish but copper will oxidize over time as it reacts with oxygen in the air and can turn a number of colors, including green (think Statue of Liberty). The tarnish you see in sterling silver is actually a result of that same chemical process.
How can we prevent tarnishing?
- Wear your silver jewelry frequently: Silver jewelry looks its best when it's worn frequently. The natural oils in your skin can help to prevent tarnishing and keep your jewelry looking bright and shiny.
-
Store your silver jewelry when you're not wearing it: Humidity can cause silver to tarnish, so it's important to store your pieces away from moisture. You can use a jewelry box, pouch or even a zip-lock bag.
-
Keep your silver jewelry away from chemicals: Chemicals like perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and household cleaners can damage your silver jewelry, so it's best to avoid spraying or applying them directly to your jewelry.
-
Clean your silver jewelry regularly: Silver jewelry can tarnish over time, so it's important to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best. You can use a soft cloth and a silver cleaning solution to clean your jewelry, or you can use warm water and dish soap.
-
Avoid using abrasive materials: Harsh materials like toothbrushes, paper towels, or tissues can scratch your silver jewelry, so it's best to avoid using them. Instead, use a soft cloth specifically designed for silver cleaning.
-
Take off your silver jewelry when swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can cause silver to tarnish, so it's best to take off your jewelry before swimming.
-
Have your silver jewelry professionally cleaned: If your silver jewelry is heavily tarnished or damaged, you can take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning and repair.