A Complete Guide: 6 Tips on Caring for Sterling Silver and Gold Jewellery

Do you often go to your jewellery box to find it either in a tangled mess or some of your favourite pieces are covered in tarnish?

If this sounds like you, I've got some great expert tips on how to keep your jewellery looking its best for years to come.

1. Storing Your Jewellery

Ok, so proper storage is crucial for preserving the condition of your jewellery. To prevent scratches and minimise tarnish, follow my tried and tested storage guidelines:

• So here’s the bad news… many jewellery boxes and containers can contain chemicals like formaldehyde that are used in the glue to attach the velvet/material lining. The fumes from this glue can do some serious damage to your jewellery in terms of tarnishing.
• I personally keep each individual piece of my own jewellery in a durable and thick zip-lock bag. Not the prettiest solution, but when you go to put on a piece of jewellery and it’s still shiny you’ll have the airtight bag to thank!
• Avoid storing your jewellery in humid environments or exposed to direct sunlight, as excessive moisture and heat can accelerate tarnishing and damage gemstones.
• Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals, things like perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning agents can corrode or discolour the metal.

2. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, oils, and pollutants that can dull the shine of your jewellery. Here's some tips for effective cleaning:

• Sterling Silver:
  • Use a mild, phosphate-free detergent or specialised silver cleaning solution.
  • Gently (and I mean gently!…) scrub the silver with a soft-bristle toothbrush in circular motions.
  • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
    
    
• Solid Gold:
  • Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
  • Soak the gold jewellery in the solution for 15-20 minutes (this will loosen any yucky stuff trapped in the jewellery or behind the stones).
  • Gently scrub the piece using a soft brush, focusing on any intricate details and behind gemstones.
  • Rinse thoroughly under running water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

3. Restoring The Shine

• With all of my orders, I send out a convenient Skeleton Coast Jewellery polishing cloth. This specialised non-scratch cleansing cloth is impregnated with polishing compound that is safe on sterling silver and solid (yellow) gold jewellery.
• To bring solid gold and sterling silver jewellery back to a lovely shine, use the cloth to gently buff the surface.
• Remember to never wash this cloth as you’ll remove all of the cleansing agent!

4. Tarnish Prevention

Tarnish is a natural process that occurs when sterling silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, leading to a dull, discoloured appearance. To prevent tarnish:

• Store silver jewellery in airtight bags to minimise exposure to air.
• Avoid exposing your jewellery to household chemicals, including bleach and chlorine, as they can accelerate tarnishing.
• Remove jewellery before swimming or engaging in activities that involve perspiration.

5. Professional Maintenance

It is extremely wise to get into the habit of having your jewellery collection periodically checked by a professional. Consider the following:

• A professional jeweller can provide a much more thorough clean and/or polish to remove deep tarnish/scratches and restore your pieces to their original shine.
• If your jewellery has gemstones, a professional jeweller can check each stone setting and let you know whether any are at risk of breaking (no one wants to lose a diamond or other precious stone!)
• If you own a piece made out of white gold, you may also opt to have it re-plated with rhodium to restore its bright white appearance (this is general practice when it comes to white gold).

6. Handling with Care

Proper handling can significantly extend the life of your jewellery. Remember these tips:

• Avoid wearing jewellery while engaging in vigorous activities, such as sports (gym included!), gardening, or housework, to minimise the risk of damage.
• Put on your jewellery as a finishing touch - after applying makeup, lotions, and hairsprays, to prevent chemical interactions.
• When removing your jewellery, handle it by the metal parts, not the gemstones, to avoid any accidental damage.

And there you have it!

Caring for your sterling silver and gold jewellery ensures its timeless beauty and longevity. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your precious pieces looking radiant for years to come. Remember, regular cleaning, proper storage, and professional maintenance are key to preserving the lustre of your jewellery and value of your investment. Embrace these practices, and your jewellery will continue to reward you for a lifetime.

If you have any questions I'm happy to help - contact me here.