How to Clean and Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver tarnishes. That is not a defect; it is chemistry. The copper in the alloy (7.5% of sterling silver is copper) reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, in your skin's oils, and in everyday substances like perfume, lotion, and chlorinated water. The result is a dark film that dulls the surface. Tarnish is easy to remove and easy to prevent with basic care.

Cleaning methods

Silver polishing cloth

The simplest and safest method for regular maintenance. A silver polishing cloth is impregnated with a mild polishing compound that removes light tarnish without scratching. Rub the piece gently with the cloth, turning to a clean area of the cloth as it darkens. This is the method we recommend for pieces worn daily and cleaned weekly.

Warm water and mild soap

For pieces that have accumulated oils, lotion residue, or general grime. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap (not the citrus-scented kind, which can be abrasive). Soak the piece for a few minutes, then clean with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to crevices and chain links. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Baking soda paste

For heavier tarnish. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the tarnished areas with your finger or a soft cloth and rub gently. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not use this method on pieces with oxidised (intentionally darkened) details, as it will remove the oxidation.

The aluminium foil method

For heavily tarnished pieces. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up. Place the silver jewellery on the foil. Sprinkle with baking soda and pour boiling water over the top. The tarnish transfers from the silver to the foil through an electrochemical reaction. Rinse and dry. This method is effective but aggressive. Use it only on heavily tarnished plain silver without stones, oxidation, or delicate surface textures.

Tarnish prevention

• Wear it. Surprisingly, the best way to prevent tarnish is to wear the piece regularly. The friction of wearing keeps the surface polished, and the natural oils on your skin create a thin barrier against airborne sulphur. Pieces that sit unworn in a drawer tarnish faster than pieces worn daily.
• Store in an airtight bag. When not wearing a piece, store it in a small zip-lock bag with the air pressed out, or in an anti-tarnish pouch. This limits exposure to airborne sulphur compounds.
• Keep it dry. Remove silver jewellery before showering, swimming, or washing up. Chlorine and salt water accelerate tarnish. Moisture trapped against the silver (under a ring, inside a chain link) causes localised tarnish that is harder to remove.
• Apply products first. Put on perfume, moisturiser, and sunscreen before putting on your jewellery. Let them dry. These products contain chemicals that accelerate tarnish when applied directly to the silver.
• Anti-tarnish strips. Small strips of activated charcoal or silver-saver material placed inside your jewellery box absorb sulphur compounds from the air. Replace them every few months.

When to get professional help

Some situations call for a professional silversmith rather than home cleaning:

• Deep scratches. Surface scratches can be polished out but deep scratches require re-polishing on a polishing motor. This removes a small amount of metal, so it should be done sparingly.
• Loose stones. If a stone moves or rattles in its setting, stop wearing the piece and have the setting tightened by a jeweller before the stone falls out.
• Broken chains. A broken chain link needs soldering, which requires a jeweller's torch. Do not attempt to repair chains with glue.
• Pieces with patina you want to preserve. Some pieces develop a patina (a controlled, attractive darkening) that the owner values. Aggressive cleaning will remove the patina. A professional can selectively clean while preserving the darkened areas.

Questions about care

If you own a Written in Silver piece and need advice on cleaning or care, email [email protected]. For repairs, resizing, or re-polishing, the workshop is open by appointment.