Sterling silver
Silver will last a lifetime if well cared for.
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.
Silver that is worn regularly, and kept away from chemicals, keeps its sparkle and shine beautifully.
Sea bamboo
Sea bamboo is grown sustainablly for the jewellery trade and is naturally pinkish white in colour.
These sea bamboo roses are dyed red and so need to be stored away from direct sunlight. It should not be cleaned with detergent, exposed to chemicals such as perfumes, deoderant, etc, or be immersed in water - please remove if cleaning, washing hands or having a shower.
It can however be cleaned with a damp cloth and then dried thoroughly.