Caring for your sterling silver

First things first, what is sterling silver?

The term sterling silver dates back to the 12th century. Silver is malleable, which is useful, but the softness can be too much of a good thing. It’s the general practice to add in a little of another metal to increase the hardness. The final product must contain 92.5% silver to be considered silver. If the piece is large enough, you will often see 925 stamped into the silver.

Sterling silver makes beautiful jewelry but it does have the ability to tarnish. Since I am not a scientist I will keep it simple; the reaction with hydrogen sulfide (commonly found in the air) dulls the surface. So what to do? Here are a few tips to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking great.

• Keep your silver jewelry away from rubber as it will quickly cause it to tarnish.

• Store your silver jewelry in a dry place wrapped in acid free tissue or a soft cloth. A small zip lock bag is another option if it’s a piece you wear often.

• Remove light tarnish by buffing with a soft jewelry cloth.

• For heavier tarnish try a sterling silver cleaning dip. But be mindful if the piece also contains gems. Be sure to read the instructions and warnings on the label.

• Lastly, the foil and baking soda method works well, and these are two items that can be found right in the kitchen. Yay science! Check out this link if you want to try this approach.

There is something special about putting on pieces worn on your wedding day over and over again. Sterling silver is a great choice for wedding jewelry, with proper care it will shine well past the aisle. Though important, quality and durability are not the only factors in selecting jewelry, it’s the looks! That’s the real reason I love silver, it’s pretty. Click here to shop our sterling silver earrings.