How to care for your sterling silver jewellery

Sterling silver is a beautiful, durable metal, but like all precious metals, it needs a little care to stay at its best. Here's everything you need to know to keep your Shelley Ide jewellery looking as beautiful as the day it arrived.

Why does silver tarnish?

Tarnishing is a completely natural process. Sterling silver (925) contains a small amount of copper, which reacts with oxygen, moisture, and sulphur compounds in the air to form a dark layer on the surface. It's not a fault, it's chemistry. The good news is it's easily reversed.

How to prevent tarnishing

• Store your jewellery properly. Keep it in the box it arrived in, away from air and light. A sealed zip-lock bag works well for longer storage.
• Remove before swimming, showering, or bathing. Chlorine, salt water, and soap all accelerate tarnishing.
• Apply perfume, hairspray, and moisturisers before putting on your jewellery, not after. Chemicals in these products can dull the surface.
• Remove before exercising. Sweat speeds up tarnishing and can loosen stone settings over time.
• Wear it often! The natural oils in your skin actually help keep silver polished.

How to clean your silver jewellery

• For light tarnish: Buff gently with a soft, lint-free cloth, a microfibre cloth or dedicated silver polishing cloth works perfectly.
• For heavier tarnish: Mix a small amount of mild washing-up liquid with warm water. Gently clean with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry immediately.
• Silver polishing cloths (available from most jewellers) are excellent for restoring shine quickly.
• Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners, toothpaste, and abrasive cloths, these can scratch the surface or damage stones.

Caring for jewellery with seaglass or stones

If your piece features seaglass, cubic zirconia, or semi-precious stones, take extra care around the setting. Avoid soaking the piece for long periods, and never use harsh chemical cleaners. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth is usually all that's needed. And for seaglass, a small amount of baby oil rubbed onto the surface brings out the colour of the glass!

When to seek professional cleaning

If your jewellery has heavy tarnish, a loose stone, or a damaged clasp, it's worth having it professionally cleaned or repaired. Feel free to get in touch I'm always happy to advise.

With a little love, your sterling silver jewellery will last a lifetime. That's the beauty of handmade, it's built to be kept.

Shelley x