How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery: Tips for Lasting Shine

Sterling silver is timeless, elegant, and versatile — making it one of the most popular choices for jewellery lovers. But while sterling silver is durable, it does require a little care to keep its beautiful shine. Without the right attention, silver can tarnish over time, losing the sparkle that makes it so special. Don’t worry — with a few simple tips, your jewellery can stay dazzling for years to come. 

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver, with the remainder usually being copper. This combination makes it strong enough for jewellery but also prone to tarnishing when it reacts with oxygen, sulphur, or moisture in the air. Luckily, tarnish doesn’t damage the silver itself and can be removed easily with the right care. 

Top Tips for Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery

1. Wear It Often

Believe it or not, the oils in your skin actually help keep silver shiny! Wearing your jewellery regularly helps slow down tarnishing.

2. Store It Properly

When not in use, keep your silver pieces in an airtight container or anti-tarnish pouch. Store each item separately to avoid scratches — especially for delicate designs with fine detail.

3. Keep It Dry

Moisture speeds up tarnish. Always remove your silver jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising. Perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products can also dull the shine, so avoid direct contact.

4. Clean It Gently

Regular cleaning keeps silver sparkling:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a special silver polishing cloth.

• For deeper cleaning, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, soak briefly, then gently rub with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Skip toothpaste or abrasive cleaners — they can scratch silver. Stick to products designed for jewellery cleaning.

6. Polish for Extra Shine

If your jewellery starts to look dull, a quick polish with a silver cloth will restore its brilliance. For intricate designs, like our detailed animal pendants, use a soft brush to reach small crevices.

Long-Term Care: Professional Cleaning

For heirloom or heavily tarnished pieces, consider professional cleaning. A jeweller can safely restore shine without damaging delicate settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Q: Can I shower with sterling silver jewellery?
It’s best to remove your jewellery before showering or swimming, as water and chemicals like chlorine can speed up tarnishing.

Q: What’s the best way to clean tarnished silver at home?
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. For more stubborn tarnish, a silver polishing cloth is the safest option.

Q: How should I store silver animal jewellery?
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or airtight container. This prevents scratches and slows tarnishing.

Q: Why does my silver jewellery turn black?
That’s tarnish — a natural reaction of silver with sulphur in the air. It’s completely normal and easy to clean.

Q: Is it safe to use toothpaste to clean silver?
No — toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the surface. Always use proper silver cleaning products.

Keep Your Sterling Silver Jewellery Sparkling

With a little care, your sterling silver jewellery will continue to shine beautifully. Whether it’s a fox pendant, a horse necklace, or a pair of country-styled earrings, treating your pieces with love means you can enjoy them for years to come.

✨ Ready to add to your collection? Explore our sterling silver animal and country jewellery today and find your next favourite piece!