Silver jewellery is a timeless choice of accessory that suits everyone and will complement any outfit. If you own a beautiful piece such as a silver love spoon pendant necklace or earrings, you will naturally want to keep it in pristine condition and look its best. Here are some tips to take great care of your silver jewellery.

Why silver can tarnish

Stirling silver is a popular material for jewellery, because it is malleable and can easily be worked into intricate designs such as the delicately interwoven love spoon symbols. It’s over 90 per cent pure silver combined with an alloy, and this can make it prone to tarnishing. Over time, you may notice that the item darkens a little and loses its lustre.

This is not a sign of a flawed material and the change in appearance isn’t permanent: it’s just the result of a natural chemical reaction between oxygen and sulphur particles in the air.

Tips for preventing tarnish

Wear your jewellery frequently

Contrary to what you might expect, wearing your jewellery often helps to keep it tarnish-free and shiny. This is because the skin’s natural oils build up on the surface to create a protective barrier that lessens the oxidative process. Your jewellery may occasionally need cleaning to remove an excessive buildup of oils.

Store it carefully

Store your jewelry separately from other pieces of jewellery to avoid the item becoming tangled or scratched. It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark cool dry place. However, do not place items in boxes lined with cotton, card or paper, even if this is how they were supplied, because this can increase the risk of tarnishing.

Ideally, keep silver items in an anti-tarnish bag or pouch for the best level of protection.

Be careful of contact with chemicals

Always remove your jewellery before carrying out household chores, or apply perfumes, hairsprays or body lotions. This is because contact with certain chemicals can increase the risk of tarnishing and corrosion. You should also remove your jewellery before swimming, showering or bathing, exercising, or gardening. 

Cleaning your silver jewellery

Occasionally, you may notice the item is looking a little dull. You can restore its natural shine with a simple cleaning process. 

Mild soap and water: in the first instance, simply clean your jewellery with a soft cloth dipped in a mixture of mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth. For an extra level of shine, use a specialist silver polishing cloth that is designed to remove any traces of oils and tarnish. 

Baking soda and water: If stubborn marks remain even after you have washed your jewellery with soap and water, try rubbing it gently with a mixture of baking soda and water. If this is still not effective, then try adding a little white vinegar to the mixture. 

It’s best to clean your silver items regularly rather than let the discolouration build up. If the item is severely tarnished, consider having it professionally cleaned.