All sterling silver jewelry will tarnish as time goes by, especially in humid environments. Which is why it is important to store your precious items properly to reduce tarnishing, and clean them regularly to restore your silver's natural beauty.

 

How to Prevent Your Sterling Silver Jewelry from Tarnishing

Store Silver in a Jewelry Bag or Box

Store your silver in a jewelry box designed with velvet or other soft lining because the lining will help absorb excessive moisture. Do NOT store your silver jewelry in damp places such as your bathroom, the basement or attic.

Store Individually

Store silver in an anti-oxidation zip lock bag to prevent tarnishing. 

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-tarnish strips will keep your jewelry vibrant for a long time.

Keep Silver Away from Chemicals and Lotions

Protect your silver from lotion, hair spray, skin product, swimming pool, self-tanner, perfume, shampoos, conditioners, hot tubs, hand sanitizer, body washes, etc.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry Often

Your skin’s natural oils will keep your sterling silver shiny.

Put Your Silver Jewelry on Last

This way can avoid the possibility of contact with your skin care products, makeup, hair spray and perfumes, reducing tarnishing.

Remove Your Silver Jewelry when Doing Household Chores

Remove your silver jewelry when using household detergents, chlorinated water, and rubber because they will accelerate tarnish. 

Do Not Wear in Wet Places

Remove silver jewelry before showering or swimming (water and chlorine accelerate the tarnishing process).

How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home

Use a Silver Polishing Cloth

Wipe the tarnished areas repeatedly with a silver polishing cloth until the tarnish is removed. Your jewelry will look new again!

Use Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda and Boiling Water

This is an effective method for cleaning your sterling silver jewelry without harming the silver. Do NOT use this method if you have semi-precious or precious stones in your jewelry.

• Wrap the bowl with aluminum foil and put a little bit of baking soda and your sterling silver jewelry in this foil-lined bowl.
• Pour the boiling water to the bowl and let the jewelry soak for a few minutes.
• Remove the jewelry from the bowl and rinse off any baking soda left on the jewelry. Dry it up with a soft cloth.

Use Silver Jewelry Cleaner as a Last Resort

If the tarnish is severe, you might consider using a silver polishing cream or liquid. Please be aware that silver cleaner is very corrosive! Do NOT soak your sterling silver jewelry in the silver cleaner for more than 7 seconds. Do NOT use if you have semi-precious or precious stones in your jewelry.