How to Clean: Sterling Silver Jewellery

To all the fans of cool tones, this one is dedicated to you. Now that your pieces have arrived, you're probably wondering how to preserve their shine as long as possible. With our tried-and-true tips, you can clean sterling silver with ease. Now let's get started.

What is Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated?

925 sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. We plate our silver jewellery in rhodium, which gives it extra shine and durability. Rhodium is one of the costliest precious metals due to its rarity. All of our sterling silver pieces are stamped with ‘925’ to certify their authenticity.

Our sterling silver-plated items have a layer of anti-tarnish applied on top of the sterling silver plating on brass. These pieces are not stamped with a "925" since they are not 92.5% pure silver, but they are still extremely durable and plated using the same method as our sterling silver.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver can in fact tarnish – it’s a natural reaction of silver when exposed to elements like oxygen and sulphur compounds in the air, forming a dark layer on the surface and diminishing its shine. It’s never permanent though, and sterling silver jewellery can be easily restored to its original incredible-ness. Our sterling silver jewellery is rhodium-plated which protects it and helps reduce long-term tarnishing. 

Sterling silver can also tarnish when exposed to chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, make-up, nail polish remover, body oils, sun tan lotion and deodorant. Our number one rule is to keep away the chemicals.

Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prevent tarnish from occurring. Additionally, wearing your sterling silver jewellery frequently can also help minimise tarnishing as the natural oils in your skin can act as a protective barrier. 

How to Clean Sterling Silver in Three Steps

1. Gently rub your piece with a soft microfibre cloth to polish it.

2. For deeper cleaning, use mild washing up liquid with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.

How Should I Store My Silver?

That soft-lined pouch that came in your recyclable Rhodopis packaging? Reuse it to store your jewellery pieces individually so they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle. Generally, your silver jewellery should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. Living in a humid environment? Store your pieces with a small packet of desiccant crystals to help reduce tarnishing.

How Often Should I Polish My Silver?

We suggest a gentle polishing every few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how often you wear your jewellery. Less frequently worn pieces only need to be polished at most a few times a year. It’s really all about prevention by keeping your favourite styles away from chemicals and by storing them in the best way possible.