Silver jewellery is timeless and elegant, but it naturally tarnishes over time. Proper care will ensure it stays looking beautiful for years to come. I recommend following these simple tips to clean, store, and maintain your silver jewellery.

Cleaning your silver jewellery

• Regular polishing: use a soft, lint-free cloth or a special silver polishing cloth to gently buff your jewellery and restore its shine

• Mild soap and water: for general cleaning, mix warm water with a mild dish soap, soak your jewellery for a few minutes, then gently clean with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly.  If your jewellery has granulation or texture, be sure to get into the small details to prevent build up

• Baking soda and water paste: for tarnished pieces, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply gently with a cloth, rinse, and dry

• Silver dip solution: for stubborn tarnish, use a silver cleaning dip.  I prefer the ‘Town Talk’ range from Argos. Always follow the instructions carefully and rinse thoroughly. Avoid overuse as dips can be harsh on silver.  Neutralise afterwards in a water and baking soda solution and rinse with water

• Handle gemstones with care: avoid handling and scrubbing gemstones directly, particularly emerald, opals and pearls, as they are delicate and can be damaged by moisture or abrasion.  If you’re unsure about a specific stone, please get in touch and I can advise you

How to store your jewellery

• Keep it dry: moisture speeds up tarnishing, so store your jewellery in a dry place, away from humidity

• Use anti-tarnish bags: these pouches (or lined jewellery boxes) will reduce exposure to air and preserve shine

• Separate your pieces: to prevent scratches, keep each item in its own pouch or compartment

• Silica gel or chalk: a silica gel packet or piece of chalk in your jewellery box helps absorb moisture and prevent tarnish

Daily wear and maintenance

• Avoid chemicals: minimise exposure to water and household chemicals. Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and household cleaners can damage silver, so make sure you apply these before you put on your jewellery

• Remove before activities: prevent damage by taking off jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising or doing housework

• Wear it often: believe it or not, wearing your silver jewellery regularly can help prevent tarnishing, as the natural oils in your skin will slow down oxidation

By following these care tips, your silver jewellery will stay radiant and last a lifetime!