Sterling silver is one of my favorite metals to work with. It's beautiful, versatile, and when you take care of it, it lasts a lifetime. But it does need a little love — and knowing how to care for it properly makes all the difference.
Here's everything you need to know to keep your sterling silver pieces looking their best.
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper) to make it stronger. That copper content is what causes tarnishing — a natural reaction when silver is exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. It's completely normal, and the good news is it's easy to fix and even easier to prevent.
How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home
For light tarnish, a simple polish with a soft cloth is all you need. Use a jewelry polishing cloth (you can find these at most craft stores) and gently buff the surface in straight lines — not circles, which can cause tiny scratches.
For a deeper clean:
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water
- Dip a soft toothbrush in the solution
- Gently scrub the piece, getting into any wire-wrapped details
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Pat dry immediately with a soft cloth — never let silver air dry, as water spots can form
Avoid harsh chemicals, silver dips, or ultrasonic cleaners on wire-wrapped or stone-set pieces. The stones can be sensitive to chemicals and vibration.
How to Prevent Tarnishing
A little prevention goes a long way:
- Store it properly. Keep your silver in an airtight bag or a lined jewelry box when you're not wearing it. Exposure to air is the main culprit.
- Put it on last. Apply perfume, lotion, and hairspray before you put on your jewelry. These products speed up tarnishing.
- Take it off before water. Remove your silver before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Chlorine and saltwater are especially harsh.
- Wear it often. This one surprises people — the natural oils in your skin actually help keep silver polished. Pieces that sit unworn tarnish faster.
A Note on Wire-Wrapped Pieces
If you own one of my handmade wire-wrapped pieces — like my Maligano Jasper Sterling Silver Pendant, my Amazonite Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Necklace, or my Fossilized Coral Sterling Silver Pendant — take extra care around the stone setting. Use a soft cloth or a very soft brush, and avoid soaking the piece. Most gemstones don't love prolonged water exposure, and the wire wrapping can loosen if handled too roughly.
When in doubt, a gentle buff with a polishing cloth is always the safest option.
When to Get It Professionally Cleaned
If your piece has heavy tarnish that won't budge with home cleaning, a local jeweler can polish it for you. This is worth doing for pieces you wear and love regularly.
Shop Sterling Silver
All of my sterling silver pieces are made to be worn and enjoyed — not kept in a drawer. With a little care, they'll stay beautiful for years.
Browse my sterling silver collection and find a piece that's made for you.
With love,
Amanda