"Silver doesn't age — it tells stories. With the right care, every piece you own becomes more beautiful with time."
Sterling silver marked 925 is one of the most enduring materials in jewellery — 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for strength and durability. But even the finest silver needs a little love. Here's everything you need to know to keep your pieces gleaming for years to come.
01 — UNDERSTANDING
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Tarnish is a natural, completely normal reaction. When silver comes into contact with sulphur-containing gases in the air — as well as moisture, skin oils, perfumes, and cosmetics — it undergoes a chemical reaction that produces silver sulphide: a thin, dark layer on the surface of your jewellery.
This doesn't mean your silver is damaged. Tarnish is surface-level and entirely reversible. Understanding what causes it is the first step to preventing it — and restoring your piece's original brilliance when it does occur.
02 — DAILY HABITS
Everyday Care Rituals
The best silver care is preventative. Small daily habits make the biggest difference in how long your pieces stay radiant between cleans.
ESSENTIAL
💧Last On, First Off
Put your silver on after applying perfume, moisturiser, and makeup. Remove it before washing hands, showering, or swimming.
🧴Wipe After Wearing
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your jewellery after each wear. This removes skin oils and residue before they can cause tarnish.
🏊Remove Before Water
Chlorine in pools and hot tubs is particularly harsh on silver — it accelerates tarnish and can cause permanent discolouration.
🏋️Skip It at the Gym
Sweat contains salts and acids that speed up tarnishing. Leave your silver at home during workouts or sports activities.
03 — CLEANING
How to Clean 925 Silver
Regular, gentle cleaning is far better than infrequent deep-cleaning sessions. Here's a progression from everyday maintenance to a more thorough at-home clean.
DIY RECEIPE
The Gentle Home Clean — Soap & Water Method
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free dish soap.
Soak your silver piece for 2–3 minutes to loosen any buildup.
Use a very soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work into engraved areas or chains — never scrub flat surfaces.
Rinse thoroughly under clean lukewarm water, ensuring no soap residue remains.
Pat dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth. Never leave silver to air-dry — water spots accelerate tarnish.
Buff gently in straight lines (not circular) with a polishing cloth to restore shine.
For heavier tarnish, a dedicated silver polishing cloth or a paste made from baking soda and a few drops of water can be carefully applied and rinsed off. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, and avoid abrasive methods on oxidised or intentionally darkened silver — you may remove a deliberate finish.
"The secret to eternal silver is simple: a soft cloth, a gentle hand, and a little consistency."
04 — THE RULES
The Silver Do's & Don'ts
✦ DO
Clean with a dedicated silver polishing cloth
Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or zip-lock bag
Wear your silver often — skin oils can actually slow tarnish
Dry thoroughly before storing
Have it professionally cleaned once or twice a year
Use a soft-bristled brush for textured pieces
✕ DON'T
Use toothpaste — it's abrasive and will scratch
Submerge in harsh chemical cleaners
Store multiple pieces together (they scratch each other)
Use paper towels or rough cloths — they cause micro-scratches
Use rubber bands near silver — rubber accelerates tarnish rapidly
Clean in an ultrasonic machine if gemstones are present
05 — STORAGE
Storing Silver the Right Way
How you store your silver when you're not wearing it is just as important as how you clean it. Exposure to air, humidity, and other metals is the enemy of a brilliant finish.
🫙Anti-Tarnish Pouches
Specially treated fabric pouches that absorb sulphur from the air — the single best storage solution.
🗃️Individual Compartments
Keep each piece separate in a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and tangling.
📦Zip-Lock Bags
Press out excess air before sealing. A practical, affordable way to limit air exposure during travel.
Avoid storing silver in the bathroom — the humidity fluctuations accelerate tarnish considerably. A cool, dry drawer or jewellery armoire is ideal. You can also place a piece of chalk or a small silica gel packet inside your jewellery box to absorb excess moisture.
06 — PROFESSIONAL CARE
Knowing When to Call the Experts
Some situations call for professional attention. Deep pitting, heavy oxidation that resists home cleaning, stones that appear loose, or a beloved heirloom piece — these deserve the care of a professional jeweller who has the tools and expertise to restore silver safely without damaging its finish or any set stones.
We recommend having frequently worn 925 silver pieces professionally polished and inspected once a year. It's a small investment that dramatically extends the life and beauty of your collection.
