How to Keep Your Silver Jewelry from Tarnishing

Keep Your Silver Jewelry Shining, Always Ready to Wear

There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to wear your favorite silver piece, only to find it tarnished. With the right care, you can prevent this from happening.

By following a few simple tips shared in this blog, your silver jewelry will always be ready to shine whenever you need it, ensuring it stays as beautiful as the day you got it.

The jewelry at Nueve Sterling comes from the silver town of Taxco, Mexico, where each piece is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans using high-quality 925 sterling silver. While tarnishing is a natural process for silver, with a little attention, you can keep your pieces looking as stunning as the day they were made. The good news is that maintaining the beauty of your silver jewelry is simple, and it just takes a bit of everyday care to help it last for years to come.

Click here to learn more about what is Taxco Mexican Silver

 

Before diving into maintenance tips, let’s explore what sterling silver is and why it tarnishes.

What Is Sterling Silver and Why Does It Tarnish?

Sterling silver is an alloy made of pure silver and a small percentage of other metals, usually copper, which enhances durability, while preserving the metal’s signature brilliance:

• 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
• 950 silver consists of 95% pure silver and 5% copper.

How Does 950 Silver Tarnish Compared to 925 Silver?

Since tarnish occurs when the non-silver metals (such as copper) react with air, moisture, and chemicals, for example, the higher silver content in 950 silver means it tarnishes more slowly than 925 sterling silver. However, because 950 silver is softer, it may be more prone to scratches and dents if not handled carefully.

Both 925 and 950 silver will develop a patina over time, but with regular wear and proper care, you can minimize tarnishing and maintain their brilliant shine and the charming, authentic hue characteristic of silver jewelry.

Do’s and Don’ts for Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals, Perfume, and Lotions

If you're wearing silver jewelry, it's important to remove it before applying perfume or lotions, or wait a few minutes before putting it on, as the chemicals can cause damage over time.

Protect your silver jewelry by removing it before swimming, washing dishes, or cleaning.

Chlorine, salt water, and harsh detergents can cause discoloration and accelerate tarnishing.

Taking a few extra steps to keep your silver away from these substances will help maintain its shine and beauty.

Store Properly to Avoid Air Exposure

To slow down tarnishing, store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place, ideally in a velvet-lined jewelry box or anti-tarnish pouch. Keeping a silica gel packet or piece of chalk in your storage container can help absorb excess moisture.

Wear It Regularly

Frequent wear actually helps slow down tarnishing! The natural oils from your skin create a protective barrier that keeps your silver looking bright.

Easy At-Home Cleaning Methods for Sterling Silver

1. Warm Water and Soap

A simple soak in warm water with mild dish soap can remove light tarnish. Gently rub the jewelry, rinse with clean water, and pat dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.

2. Baking Soda Paste

For stubborn tarnish, mix baking soda with a little warm water to form a paste. Apply it with a soft brush, scrub gently, then rinse and dry.

3. Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil

For heavier tarnish, soak your silver in ½ cup (118ml) warm water and 2 tbsp (27.6g) baking soda in a container covered with aluminum foil for some seconds or a couple of minutes, depending on the severity. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Another simple trick is to use a sterling silver polishing cloth regularly to restore the jewelry’s original shine effortlessly, whenever needed.

These tips are especially useful for regular, everyday silver jewelry without precious or semi-precious stones. Soaking your silver in water with soap detergent or baking soda works wonders for thin and delicate pieces like chains. Using the polishing cloth on these kinds of pieces is not recommended, as there’s a risk of snapping them due to the friction.

Ready for Your Next Sterling Silver Treasure?

By following these simple care tips, you can keep your silver jewelry looking radiant for years to come.

✨ Find your next timeless piece at Nueve Sterling, a handcrafted treasure that, with the right care, will stay beautiful for a lifetime.