What you should know about silver

How to care for your silver jewellery

Sterling silver: what you should know:

Sterling silver is a very attractive, lustrous precious metal. Even though it has been alloyed with another metal to make it harder, it is still the softest precious metal available. Sterling silver is not ideal for jewellery that requires continuous daily wear, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

It may scratch and bend under repetitive daily wear, pressure or sudden knocks. Thin silver rings in particular will not wear well over a long time if you wear them constantly.

Over time, sterling silver jewellery may tarnish. It is primarily the other alloy metals in sterling silver, like copper, that can cause it to take on a black or green hue. The speed of the tarnishing depends on the water (including bathing, perspiration and air moisture) and chemicals (sulphur pollution in the air, soaps, detergents and cosmetics) that you come into contact with. It is advisable to clean your jewellery on a regular basis.

Always take sterling silver jewellery off when in a shower, sauna, spa or while swimming. Wear rubber gloves if you’re washing up with silver rings on your hands.