Caring for Silver Jewellery: Keeping Your Pieces Bright for Years

Silver tarnishes faster than gold but is easy to maintain once you know the basics of cleaning and storage.

Silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and in everyday products, which is why it tarnishes faster than gold. The good news is that tarnish is almost always reversible with the right care.

Daily and Weekly Care

Wipe silver with a dedicated polishing cloth after each wear to remove oils and moisture
Store pieces in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag to slow down tarnishing between wears
Keep silver away from direct sunlight, humid bathrooms, and swimming pools
Wear your silver often — pieces that are used regularly tend to tarnish more slowly than those left untouched in storage

Removing Tarnish at Home

For light tarnish, a silver polishing cloth is usually enough. For more noticeable dulling, a gentle soak in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, followed by a soft-bristle brush on any engraved detail, will lift most tarnish safely. Avoid abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners on pieces set with softer gemstones like pearls or opals, and bring heavily tarnished or antique pieces to a jeweller for professional cleaning.