Let’s talk sterling silver. It's a high-quality alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver, combined with other metals like copper to make it durable enough for jewelry and everyday wear. Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulfur and oxygen in the air, causing a dull, discolored layer to form on the surface. Tarnishing is totally normal, with a little TLC, you can keep your sterling silver looking brand new for a long time. 

Storing Sterling Silver Jewelry the Right Way

Where you keep your jewelry is just as important as how you clean it. A couple of tips to avoid tarnish and damage:

꩜ Anti-Tarnish Bags/Cloths: These are lifesavers! They’re specifically designed to protect silver from exposure to air and moisture.
꩜ Keep It Dry: Humidity is a silver’s worst enemy. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from bathrooms or steamy areas.
꩜ Separate Pieces: To avoid scratches, store each piece individually in soft cloth pouches or a lined jewelry box.

What to Avoid to Keep Your Jewelry Safe

To keep your pieces looking shiny, there are a few things to avoid:

꩜ Harsh Cleaners: Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or toothpaste—they can scratch or damage the silver.
꩜ Exercise or Sleep: It might be tempting to keep your jewelry on, but it’s best to take it off before sleeping or exercising to avoid wear and tear.
꩜ Saltwater: Whether it’s the ocean or a hot tub, saltwater can cause damage. Always take off your jewelry before you dive in.

An Easy And Inexpensive Way To Clean Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

You don’t need to be a professional to keep your silver pieces sparkling. All you need is a:

꩜ Polishing Cloth: A soft, microfiber silver polishing cloth is all you need to quickly clean your piece. Gently buff the surface to get rid of tarnish and restore the shine. Here's a short tutorial on how to use it.

Brand recommendations:

꩜ Connoisseurs
꩜ Cape Cod
꩜ Town Talk

Remember to read the label before using, especially if your ring has a stone. The polishing compound might damage softer stones (like opals, pearls, etc) so double check before you start polishing.

And there you have it! Keeping your sterling silver jewelry clean and cared for is easy once you know how. Just remember: store it right, avoid the harsh stuff, and gently polish when needed. If you ever have questions about jewelry care, I’m here, just shoot me a message.

PS: I pack a polishing cloth with every LEAP STUDIO order, I'm sure it'll come in handy someday!