An Expert Guide to Keeping Silver Shining

My grandmother told me many years ago that the best way to keep silver shiny is to use it regularly. At first, I thought it was an old wives' tale, but as I delved deeper into the science behind it, I discovered that there is some truth to her advice. In this blog post, we will explore why using your silver regularly can help maintain its shine and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.

However if you keep it stored away for special occasions you may find that when you pull it out it's covered in tarnish. A kind of brownie/black coating that won't come off when you wipe it with your finger.

Our fingerprint jewellery is just as likely to tarnish as it is made from sterling silver. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver, and the remaining part is copper. ... However, the copper that is contained in 925 sterling silver may react to the ozone and hydrogen sulfide in the air and cause sterling silver to tarnish. Perfumes, hair sprays, and sweating can also cause a quicker formation of tarnish.

So why does it tarnish in more detail. How do you clean it naturally – without commercial chemical-laden products? And what is the best way to store it to avoid tarnish in the first place?

• Silver tarnishes because of oxidisation – Tarnish develops due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the air or in any materials that come into contact with the silver.
• Unlike rust, tarnish is a ‘self-limiting’ patina, affecting only the top few layers and ultimately protecting the metal. While this is good news overall, it is not particularly pretty.

Please note that this cleaning technique is for sterling 925 silver pieces, we have also tested this method on our sterling silver and 24ct gold jewellery pieces.

Finally, how do we store our previous silver fingerprint jewellery to prevent tarnishing? Keep it in a cool, dark place, sunlight, heat and moisture accelerate tarnishing. Keep your silver in a jewellery box or hang from a necklace holder stand. Try to store pieces individually: storing your silver pieces separately to your costume jewellery helps to prevent tarnishing and avoid chances of jewellery scratching or tangling with each other.

By following these top tips, you can ensure that your silver jewellery remains in pristine condition for years to come. Remember, proper care and maintenance are key to keeping your precious pieces looking their best. Invest a little time and effort, and you'll be rewarded with stunning silver jewellery that always looks brand new!

Always feel close to your loved ones xx