Sterling silver lasts a lifetime when well cared for. If worn regularly, and kept away from chemicals, it will keep its sparkle and shine beautifully.
Tarnish is formed when the silver reacts with sulphur in the air. It becomes dark grey in colour. It can easily be removed when it first becomes apparent.
Silver will tarnish when in contact with air, sunlight, perspiration on skin and chemicals such as hairspray, deoderant, cleaning products, chlorine in water, perfumes, etc. It is best to remove silver before cleaning, swimming (in sea or pool) or when applying perfume or creams. It should not be worn in the shower.
When tarnish is first noticed it can easily be cleaned in warm soapy water and then dried thoroughly. Alternatively it can be buffed with a silver polishing cloth. Gold and rose gold plating need a more gentle polish so that the plating is not removed.
Sterling silver is best stored in an airtight container out of direct sunlight.
Gold, rose gold and black plating on silver jewellery: this can be polished with a soft cloth, but not a silver polishing cloth which could remove some of the plating.
