Caring For Your Sterling Jewelry

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It’s the other metals, primarily copper, that cause sterling silver to tarnish.

PREVENTING TARNISH

The best way to prevent tarnishing is to store clean, dry sterling silver in a dry airtight container (zip lock) and out of light (natural and artificial). Always remove jewelry before showering or cleaning. Humidity can speed up the oxidation process that produces tarnish. Do not leave in kitchen or bathroom. Minimize sterling silver’s contact to chemicals (hairspray, perfume, body lotion, bleach, etc.) and do not wear in the shower, swimming pool or hot tub. After taking silver jewelry, cleaning it with a dry soft cloth before putting it back in airtight container.

CLEANING YOUR JEWELRY

You can use a silver polishing cloth. Tissues and paper towels can cause scratches. We recommend using a Sunshine Cloth. If using a commerical cleaner remember to read the instructions on the cleaner first before you attempt cleaning. If you’d like to avoid harsh commercial cleaners and the polishing cloth doesn’t work, wash silver jewelry in warm water containing a few drops of mild dish soap. Immerse the silver in the water and gently hand wash. Use a cotton swab for tight corners. A soft toothbrush can be used for more abrasive cleaning when needed. Thoroughly rinse and completely dry the sterling silver before storing! If the jewelry contains gemstones or crystals do not submerge into water. Instead, use a cotton swab with mild dishwashing liquid to wash ONLY the silver. Rinse and dry the silver before storing.