How to Clean: Sterling Silver Jewelry
This one goes out to all the cool-tone lovers. Your silver pieces have arrived and now you're wondering: how do you keep sterling silver jewelry shining for as long as possible?
The good news is that cleaning silver jewelry at home is simple when you know how. From removing tarnishing to storing your pieces properly, here’s everything you need to know about how to clean sterling silver jewelry and keep it looking its best.
What is Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated Jewelry?
Before learning how to clean sterling silver, it helps to understand what it’s made from.
925 sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Because pure silver is naturally soft, copper is added to strengthen it and make it suitable for jewelry.
Our sterling silver jewelry is rhodium-plated, which gives it extra shine and durability. Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals, known for its bright finish and protective properties. All of our sterling silver pieces are stamped with ‘925’ to certify their authenticity.
Our sterling silver-plated jewelry is crafted from brass and plated with sterling silver, finished with an anti-tarnish layer. These pieces are still incredibly durable and plated using the same high-quality process as our sterling silver styles. However, they are not stamped with ‘925’, as they are not made from 92.5% pure silver.
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes, sterling silver can tarnish over time, but this is completely natural.
Tarnish happens when silver reacts with oxygen and sulphur compounds in the air, creating a darker layer on the surface and reducing its shine.
The important thing to remember is that tarnish isn’t permanent. With gentle cleaning, sterling silver jewelry can easily be restored.
Our sterling silver pieces are rhodium-plated, which helps protect the surface and reduce long-term tarnishing. However, exposure to chemicals can still cause tarnish. Try to avoid contact with:
- Perfume
- Hairspray
- Make-up
- Nail polish remover
- Body oils
- Sun tan lotion
- Deodorant
One of the easiest ways to prevent sterling silver tarnishing is to keep jewelry away from harsh chemicals.
Interestingly, wearing your jewelry often can actually help reduce tarnish, as the natural oils in your skin act as a protective barrier.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry at Home in Three Simple Steps
Wondering how to clean sterling silver jewelry at home? It’s easier than you might think.
Follow these three simple steps:
- Polish gently using a soft microfibre cloth to remove surface marks and restore shine.
- For deeper cleaning, mix mild washing-up liquid with warm water and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the jewelry.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
This method works well for most silver pieces and helps keep your jewelry looking bright and polished.
DIY Silver Cleaner for Your Jewelry
For more stubborn tarnishing, you could try a baking soda paste (mixing baking soda and water) applied gently with a cloth. You can also create a chemical reaction with baking soda and aluminum foil by lining a bowl with foil, adding hot water and a teaspoon of baking soda, and immersing the silver for a few minutes. Use caution here though, avoiding scrubbing gemstones and delicate details. Do not leave pieces in vinegar for long periods, as it can damage soft stones.
How to Store Sterling Silver Jewelry
Proper storage is one of the best ways to prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing.
That soft-lined pouch included with your recyclable Missoma packaging is perfect for storage. Keep your jewelry pieces stored individually so they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle.
Ideally, sterling silver jewelry should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place.
If you live in a humid environment, try storing your jewelry with a small packet of desiccant crystals to absorb moisture and help reduce tarnishing.
How Often Should You Clean Sterling Silver?
How often you clean sterling silver jewelry depends on how frequently you wear it.
We recommend gently polishing your jewelry every few weeks to a couple of months if it’s worn regularly. Pieces worn less often may only need polishing a few times a year.
The key to maintaining shine is prevention which means keeping jewelry away from chemicals and storing it properly when you're not wearing it.
How to Clean Silver Earrings
If you want your ear stack looking its best, regular cleaning is essential.
To clean silver earrings:
- Gently rub them with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and any surface dirt.
- If needed, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
To prevent tarnish, store your earrings in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or moisture.
Regular, gentle cleaning will keep your silver earrings shining for longer.
How to Clean Silver Rings
Cleaning silver rings (whether they're stacking styles or statement pieces) follows the same simple process.
Use mild washing-up liquid mixed with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean the ring. Take extra care around gemstones or intricate settings.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Silver Necklaces
Cleaning your silver necklaces and chains is just as easy.
Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently polish the surface of the necklace. If tarnish is more noticeable, a soft-bristle toothbrush can help clean delicate chain links or pendant details.
We don’t recommend using jewelry polishing cloths that contain cleaning agents or chemical treatments.
