Sterling silver is a lovely option for jewellery. It looks great with real pearls and natural stones, making pieces that can be classic, modern, or unique.
But if you've owned sterling silver jewellery for a while, you may have noticed it sometimes darkens or loses its shine.
This is called tarnishing; it is a natural process.
The good news is that with a little regular care, you can keep sterling silver jewellery looking lovely.
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver usually contains 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals, commonly copper.
Pure silver is relatively soft, so the added metal makes sterling silver more suitable for jewellery.
Over time, sterling silver can react with sulphur-containing substances in the air and other environmental factors, producing a darker surface layer.
Humidity, certain cosmetics, household products and exposure to some chemicals can contribute to tarnishing.
It doesn't necessarily mean your jewellery is poor quality or that anything is wrong with it.
1. Clean your silver gently
For plain sterling silver jewellery without delicate stones or special finishes, a soft silver-polishing cloth is often a good starting point.
Use gentle movements rather than rubbing aggressively.
Avoid abrasive household cleaners, toothpaste and rough cloths, which can scratch the surface.
If your jewellery includes pearls, natural stones, glued components or an intentional oxidised finish, don't automatically use a silver dip or chemical cleaner. These products may damage the other materials or remove the finish.
For pearl-specific cleaning advice, read the guide on how to clean pearls safely. And if your piece includes natural stones, it is worth knowing what can damage natural stones before applying any cleaning product.
When a piece combines different materials, the safest cleaning method depends on the whole design.
2. Put jewellery on after getting ready
Perfume, hairspray, moisturisers and some cleaning products can affect jewellery over time.
Make a habit of applying cosmetics first and putting your jewellery on afterwards.
Remove your silver jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or using household cleaning products.
This helps reduce exposure to chemicals, moisture and unnecessary wear.
3. Store sterling silver properly
Air and moisture can contribute to tarnishing, so store your jewellery in a dry place.
A soft jewellery pouch or a lined jewellery box with separate compartments can help protect individual pieces.
Keep silver away from damp bathrooms, and avoid storing it loose alongside other jewellery where it can become scratched or tangled.
If you use anti-tarnish storage materials, make sure they are suitable for any pearls and natural stones stored with the silver.
4. What if your silver has already darkened?
Light tarnishing can often be removed with an appropriate silver-polishing cloth.
However, some jewellery is intentionally darkened to highlight details, and certain finishes are designed to look aged. Polishing these pieces too aggressively can change their appearance.
If your sterling silver jewellery includes genuine pearls or natural stones, be particularly cautious with commercial cleaning products.
For valuable, intricate or heavily tarnished pieces, a professional jeweller can advise on suitable cleaning.
5. Can you wear sterling silver every day?
Yes, sterling silver can suit regular wear, depending on the design and how you care for it.
Everyday jewellery is exposed to friction, perspiration, cosmetics and accidental knocks. Removing it before activities that may cause damage and wiping it gently after wearing can help maintain its appearance.
Pieces combining silver with pearls or softer stones need additional care because each material has different requirements. For a full overview of how to look after a mixed-material piece day to day, read the guide on how to care for pearl jewellery at home.
Keep the shine, enjoy the jewellery.
Sterling silver is made to be worn and enjoyed, not hidden away for fear of tarnishing.
A little attention to cleaning, storage and everyday habits can help your jewellery stay beautiful.
At Pearl Art Nature, I use sterling silver in designs with genuine pearls and natural stones. Because these materials work together in individual pieces, caring for the entire design is just as important as keeping the silver bright. Browse the sterling silver collection to find a piece you'll love wearing.
Treat your jewellery gently, choose cleaning products carefully and enjoy wearing it for years to come.