How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery: Ella & Eve UK Guide
Sterling silver jewellery, from elegant bracelets to delicate earrings and necklaces, deserves the finest care to preserve its exceptional shine and beauty.
Follow this ultimate guide from Ella & Eve and learn to cherish your jewellery forever.
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and a small percentage of copper, making it both beautiful and durable.
However, when exposed to air, humidity, and everyday chemicals, sterling silver can tarnish—a natural darkening and dulling process that forms on the surface.
Tarnish is not a flaw, but proof of authenticity. The more you care for your jewellery, the more lasting its radiant shine and elegant finish.
Daily Care Tips for Sterling Silver Jewellery
- Wear It Regularly: Natural skin oils gently cleanse silver, preventing heavy tarnish—so don’t save your Ella & Eve pieces only for special occasions.
- Jewellery Comes Last: Apply perfume, lotions, and sprays before you put on your jewellery to limit contact with residue.
- Remove Before Water or Sport: Protect your bracelets, necklaces, and earrings from showers, pools, sweat, and cleaning tasks—it prevents tarnish and scratches.
- Gentle Handling: Always handle your sterling silver with care to avoid knocks and scratches, keeping delicate clasps and earring posts secure.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery
Gentle Home Cleaning Method
- Prepare: Blend a few drops of gentle, phosphate-free dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Soak: Submerge your jewellery for 5–10 minutes to release surface dirt and oil.
- Brush: Use a soft, baby toothbrush to clean intricate areas with care.
- Rinse: Carefully rinse your piece under lukewarm running water (use a bowl—avoid drains!)
- Dry: Gently pat dry with a lint-free cloth (never paper towels).
Polishing Cloths & Quick Revival
For instant radiance, wipe your silver jewellery with a high-quality polishing cloth—avoid abrasives and paper wipes.
What to Avoid
- Abrasive cleaners/pastes—can scratch the surface
- Ultrasonic or steam cleaners—can loosen gemstone settings
- Anti-tarnish dips—never use on gemstone or pearl pieces
How to Store Sterling Silver Jewellery
Storing your jewellery correctly is essential for preserving its lustre:
- Individual Storage: Keep every bracelet, necklace, and pair of earrings separate in soft pouches or fabric-lined boxes.
- Airtight Boxes: Air speeds up tarnishing. Store your Ella & Eve jewellery in the complimentary gift box you receive with every order. For longer periods, use a zip-lock bag with an anti-tarnish tab.
- Cool, Dry Place: Never leave your jewellery in humid bathrooms or sunny windowsills.
- Travel Ready: Take advantage of your Ella & Eve gift bag for stylish, safe transport of your jewellery collection when on the go.
Special Care for Gemstones, Pearls & Delicate Pieces
- Do not soak gemstone or pearl-encrusted pieces—use a damp, lint-free cloth instead.
- Avoid all chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners—gently polish using only silver cloths meant for jewellery.
- Wipe pieces after every wear to remove perspiration or skin oils.
How to Restore Extra-Tarnished Silver Jewellery
If your silver has turned particularly dark, revive it with a specialist silver cleaning polish and a soft cloth. For plain pieces (no gemstones):
- Line a bowl with aluminium foil.
- Add boiling water, 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Place your silver on the foil and watch the tarnish lift.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Tip: Test any restoration method on a small hidden area first, and do not use on pieces with stones or pearls.
Sterling Silver Jewellery Myths: Busted
- Myth: "Silver can’t be worn every day." – Fact: With proper care, it’s ideal for everyday elegance.
- Myth: "Toothpaste is great for silver." – Fact: It’s abrasive and can cause scratches.
- Myth: "Tarnish means poor quality." – Fact: Authentic sterling silver always develops a bit of tarnish; that’s how you know it’s real.
Gifting & Storing with Style: The Ella & Eve Experience
Every Ella & Eve order arrives elegantly presented in a luxury gift box and our exclusive branded gift bag.
Not just beautiful for gifting—these are ideal for protecting and storing your jewellery, whether for daily use or special occasions.
Don't forget our current offer: Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece across all Ella & Eve sterling silver jewellery.
Quick Recap: Top Six Sterling Silver Jewellery Care Tips
- Wear and rotate pieces for regular shine.
- Apply beauty products before putting on jewellery.
- Remove before water, sport, or cleaning.
- Clean gently with mild soap or polishing cloth.
- Store each piece individually and in airtight boxes.
- Handle gemstones and pearls with extra attention—avoid soaking or chemical exposure.
Your Sterling Silver Care Questions Answered
- How often should I clean my sterling silver jewellery?
- For optimum shine, gently clean after every few wears. Aim for a thorough clean once a month or as soon as any dullness appears. Rotate for even longer-lasting brilliance.
- Can I wear my silver jewellery in the shower?
- It’s best to remove all sterling silver before bathing, as water and soaps can dull finish, loosen gemstones, and accelerate tarnishing.
- What’s the safest way to store multiple pieces together?
- Always store each item in its own pouch or section, ideally in your complimentary Ella & Eve gift box to prevent scratches and tangles.
Discover Jewellery That Lasts at Ella & Eve
Now you know how simple it is to care for your sterling silver bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—ensuring they remain beautiful, meaningful, and ready to dazzle for every occasion.
Shop the Ella & Eve Jewellery Collection – Buy 1, Get 50% OFF Your Second Piece!Every order includes our free luxury gift box and branded bag for effortless gifting and safe, stylish storage.