Sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime but it requires care to keep it in the best condition. Here's some suggestions to help:

Wearing your silver jewelry is the best way to slow tarnish build-up. But if you have several pieces as most of us do, you cannot wear it all daily. Here's an easy solution to care for the pieces while you are not wearing them. Store your jewelry in an airtight bag between wearing to prevent tarnish build-up.

Tarnish is a natural occurrence and happens as your jewelry is exposed to the air. This is the one of the hallmarks for genuine silver. If you notice tarnish, the first step to cleaning your jewelry is soap and water (liquid soap like you would use to wash your hands) and a soft cloth. Lather up your hands with soap and water and then gently wash your jewelry. Then, with the soft cloth, dry your jewelry and then allow a bit of time for your piece to air dry before placing back in the airtight bag. Cleaning your jewelry in this way will not damage your jewelry as long as you do not have extended exposure or pressure. A gentle washing and drying is the first and safest way to keep your jewelry looking beautiful. Everything needs a bath, and your jewelry is not excluded from that rule.

If you are not able to remove the tarnish with the gentle washing as suggested, then the next step is to use a chemically treated cloth. We do not recommend the use of dipping solutions as some can permanently discolor your silver jewelry. Tarnish can be removed easily with a polishing cloth. We sell polishing cloths because we believe this is a quick and easy way to keep your pieces looking their best.

Here are some things we recommend ~ avoid exposing your silver to all household chemicals including but not limited to bleach or ammonia.

Do not allow your jewelry to come into contact with items containing sulfur. Examples would be latex gloves, rubber bands, wool, and items containing elastic.

Also, several foods may cause silver to tarnish more rapidly, a few examples would be things like eggs, onions, olives, vinegar, salad dressings, salt and fruit juices. Be sure to wash your hands after handling these items.

Also, remove your jewelry before washing dishes, swimming, bathing or showering. Be sure to apply make-up, hair spray, lotion and perfume before you put on your sterling silver jewelry and never sleep in it. Make-up, perfumes and lotions can damage your sterling silver jewelry. Make a rule when getting dressed to let your jewelry be the last thing you put on before leaving the house and the first thing you take off upon returning.

If you take care of your sterling silver jewelry, you can enjoy it for a lifetime!