How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

How to prevent tarnish and maintain, store and clean sterling silver jewellery

Sterling silver is one of those rare materials that becomes more beautiful with time and if cared for properly can last a lifetime. You have probably put a lot of thought into choosing your piece of adornment; each piece reflecting your story, or a moment that matters. Here at Rite and Relic, we want to make sure you are able to make your jewelry a part of your life for years to come. Here's some guidance for prolonging the life of your sterling silver jewelry.

Cleaning your silver jewelry

While it's impossible to completely avoid oxidization and tarnishing of sterling silver, regular cleaning goes a long way in ensuring longevity.

  1. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your jewelry.
  2. For a deeper clean, mix mild soap and water and let soak for a few minutes before rinsing and drying with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using toothbrush or harsh cleaning agents.
  3. For cleaning tarnished silver pieces, mix lemon essential oil and vinegar in a bowl. Soak your jewelry in it for five minutes, rinse and dry gently. Make sure to clean different pieces in different containers.
  4. Consider investing in a cloth made for polishing silver for better results.

Storing your silver

Store silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use anti-tarnish bags or cloth-lined jewelry boxes to prevent oxidation. Keep pieces separated to avoid scratches and tangling.

If your environment is humid, consider adding silica gel packets or desiccant crystals to absorb moisture.

What to avoid

  1. Direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can cause fading and tarnishing.
  2. Rubber and latex products, which acccelerate oxidation.
  3. Water exposure, especially from swimming pools, hot tubs and showers. A little water won't harm your jewelry, think washing your hands or walking in the rain. Sterling silver is considered long-lasting for a reason; but thorough drying afterwards is key.
  4. Sulfur-rich environments, like hot springs or even certain foods like onions.
  5. Harsh chemicals and cleaning agents like perfumes, hairsprays, bleach and household cleaners.
  6. Rough surfaces and abrasive materials.

Professional cleaning services

For intricate or valuable silver pieces, consider professional cleaning services. Here at Rite and Relic, we offer cleaning services for anything you've purchased from us. Feel free to contact us for more information.