Silver Jewellery Care Interactive Guide
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The Ultimate Silver Care Companion
Sterling silver is timeless, but it requires understanding. Explore this interactive guide to master the art of wearing, cleaning, and storing your precious pieces.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
It's not dirt—it's chemistry. Silver reacts with sulfur in the air, humidity, and even your skin's acidity. This process creates Silver Sulfide (Ag₂S), the black layer we call tarnish. Use the slider below to see how exposure affects appearance over time.
Condition: Pristine Shine
Sterling (925) vs. Fine Silver (999)
Most jewellery is Sterling Silver. Pure silver is too soft for daily wear. Copper is added for strength, but copper is also what reacts most with oxygen, accelerating tarnish.
- ✓ 92.5% Silver: The lustrous precious metal.
- ✓ 7.5% Copper/Alloy: Adds durability but increases tarnish risk.
The Cleaning Wizard
Not all silver is the same. Cleaning a plain ring is different from cleaning a pearl necklace. Select your jewellery's features to get a safe, customized cleaning recipe.
Select options and click "Get Method" to see your customized care guide.
Comparing Common Cleaning Methods
Why we recommend some methods over others.
Daily Habits: The "Last On, First Off" Rule
Cosmetics
Apply lotions, perfume, and hairspray before wearing jewellery. Chemicals accelerate tarnish.
Pools & Spas
Chlorine is silver's enemy. It causes permanent pitting and rapid blackening.
Showers
Water itself isn't bad, but soaps leave residue that dulls shine. Better to remove it.
Gym & Sweat
Body oils and sweat are acidic. Wipe your jewellery down after every wear.
The Art of Storage
Air (Oxygen) and Moisture are the triggers for tarnish. Proper storage creates a barrier against them. Click on the storage items below to learn why they work.