Silver Care Guide: Preventing and Removing Tarnish

Most silver jewellery is 925 sterling silver — 92.5% pure silver alloyed with other metals (usually copper) for strength, since pure silver is too soft for everyday wear on its own. That small amount of copper reacts with sulphur compounds naturally present in air and moisture, forming a dark surface layer called tarnish. Humidity, perfume, and even the natural oils in skin can speed this up.

A dedicated silver polishing cloth is the gentlest and most reliable way to restore shine for light tarnish — simply rub gently in straight lines rather than circles. For more noticeable tarnish, a mild silver-safe cleaning solution or a paste made from a small amount of mild soap and lukewarm water, applied with a very soft cloth, usually works well. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, since leftover moisture encourages further tarnishing.

Avoid regular household cleaners, toothpaste, or anything abrasive — these can scratch the surface, especially on pieces with detailed engraving or oxidised (deliberately blackened) finishes.

• Store silver in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag when not being worn, minimising its contact with air.
• Keep it away from humid spots — bathroom cabinets and kitchen drawers tarnish silver faster than a dry bedroom drawer.
• Wear it often. Ironically, silver that's handled and worn regularly often tarnishes more slowly than silver left untouched for long stretches.

Genuine sterling silver is usually stamped "925" somewhere discreet on the piece, confirming its 92.5% silver content. If you can't find this stamp on a piece, it's worth asking about — a visible purity mark is one of the simplest ways to know exactly what you're buying.