Care of Sterling Silver Jewellery
How to care for your sterling silver jewellery so it looks as good as new. Find out how!
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is one of the most popular choices in jewellery due to its elegance and versatility. It is characterised by containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which gives it greater strength and durability.
However, over time, silver can darken and lose its shine due to factors such as exposure to air, humidity, and certain chemicals. To keep your silver pieces in perfect condition, it’s essential to follow some basic care tips. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to care for sterling silver so that it always looks as good as new.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver tarnishes due to a process called tarnish, which occurs when silver comes into contact with certain elements in the environment. Although pure silver is a precious metal that does not easily react with oxygen, it can still darken over time.
The main culprit behind silver tarnishing is sulphur. Sulphur is present in the air, especially in urban areas with high levels of pollution, as well as in certain foods (like eggs and onions) and cleaning products. When silver comes into contact with sulphur, it forms silver sulphide, a compound that creates a dark layer on the surface of the jewellery.
Another factor that can cause silver to darken is humidity in the environment, which can accelerate the oxidation of silver, especially in humid climates. Additionally, if silver comes into contact with water, particularly salt water or chlorinated water (like in swimming pools), it can tarnish more quickly.
Exposure to chemicals found in perfumes, creams, lotions, deodorants, and cleaning products can also interact with silver, causing it to lose its shine and darken. Even sweat contains acids and salts that can affect silver.
How Can I Prevent My Jewellery from Tarnishing?
Silver is a noble metal, but it reacts with sulphur in the air, sweat, and certain chemicals, causing it to tarnish. By following these simple steps, you can prevent your jewellery from getting damaged and maintain its natural shine for longer. To keep your silver pieces bright and in perfect condition, we recommend the following tips:
- Avoid wearing your jewellery when showering, bathing, exercising, or applying cosmetics.
- Chlorine, sweat, and chemicals can damage silver and dull its shine.
- Another important point is to store your jewellery properly. Using jewellery boxes or cloth bags is ideal. It’s best to avoid storing your jewellery in damp places like the bathroom.
- Regularly clean your silver pieces with a soft cloth, although ideally, you should take them to a professional jeweller for proper maintenance, including a more thorough cleaning. At JOSE LUIS Jewellers, we offer this jewellery maintenance service, so don’t hesitate to ask us if you want more information.
With these simple tips, you can keep your sterling silver jewellery looking as shiny as the day you bought it. Remember, prevention is the key to preserving the beauty of your pieces. At JOSE LUIS Jewellers, you’ll find a wide variety of sterling silver jewellery, from classic designs to more modern pieces. Visit us on our website or at our stores!
