How to Clean: Sterling Silver Jewelry

How to Clean: Sterling Silver Jewelry

Attention all cool tone enthusiasts! Your pieces have landed, and now you're curious: how do you maintain their sparkle indefinitely? When it comes to cleaning sterling silver, you're in safe hands with our expert tips. Let's dive in.

What is Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated?

This 925 sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. We enhance our silver jewelry with a rhodium plating for added shine and durability. Rhodium, one of the most expensive precious metals due to its scarcity, ensures top-notch quality. Each of our sterling silver items is stamped with '925' to guarantee its authenticity.

Our sterling-silver plated pieces feature a base of brass coated with sterling silver and topped with an anti-tarnish layer. These items are equally robust and undergo the same meticulous plating process as our sterling silver pieces. However, they do not carry the '925' stamp since they do not contain 92.5% pure silver.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver can indeed tarnish—it's a natural response of silver when exposed to elements like oxygen and sulfur compounds in the air, which can form a dark layer on the surface and reduce its luster. However, this tarnishing is not permanent, and sterling silver jewelry can easily be restored to its original brilliance.

Our sterling silver jewelry is rhodium-plated, which not only enhances its appearance but also helps prevent long-term tarnishing.

Exposure to chemicals found in perfume, hairspray, makeup, nail polish remover, body oils, suntan lotion, and deodorant can also cause sterling silver to tarnish. Our top tip is to keep these chemicals at bay.

Regular cleaning and proper storage are key to preventing tarnish. Moreover, frequently wearing your sterling silver jewelry can help minimize tarnishing, as the natural oils in your skin can act as a protective barrier.

How to Clean Sterling Silver in Three Steps

Gently rub your piece with a soft microfiber cloth to polish it.
For deeper cleaning, use mild dish soap with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.

How Should I Store My Silver?

The soft-lined pouch included in your Bonheur packaging? It's perfect for storing your jewelry pieces individually to prevent them from rubbing together, scratching, or tangling. Generally, silver jewelry should be stored in a dark, cool, and dry environment. If you live in a humid area, consider storing your pieces with a small packet of desiccant crystals to help minimize tarnishing.

How Often Should I Polish My Silver?

We recommend gently polishing your jewelry every few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how often you wear it. Pieces that are worn less frequently may only need polishing a few times a year. Prevention is key—keep your favorite styles away from chemicals and store them properly to maintain their shine and prevent tarnish.

Tips for Cleaning Silver Earrings:

Everyone loves a sparkling ear stack. Cleaning your silver earrings is straightforward with these simple steps. Use a soft, non-abrasive, and lint-free cloth or chamois to gently wipe away surface dirt and oils from the earrings. Rinse them well with lukewarm water and dry them with a clean cloth. To avoid future tarnishing, store your silver earrings in a dark, cool spot and keep them away from harsh chemicals and moisture. Regular, gentle cleaning will ensure your silver earrings continue to shine brightly.

Tips for Cleaning Silver Rings:

Looking to clean your stacking or statement rings? For a thorough clean, mix a mild dish soap with warm water and gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, taking care not to harm any gemstones. Rinse the ring well with lukewarm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Tips for Cleaning Silver Necklaces:

Cleaning your silver layers, whether they're chains, pendant necklaces, or intricate designs, is straightforward. Simply use a soft microfiber cloth to gently rub the surface of the necklace. For stubborn tarnish, similar to what you might do with rings and earrings, a soft-bristle toothbrush can be used to provide extra cleaning power. However, we advise against using any jewelry polishing cloths that have been treated with cleaners or polishing agents.

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