The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Why Proper Care Matters

925 sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy — which gives it its strength, but also makes it susceptible to tarnish over time. The good news? With a little care, your Ritzy pieces will stay as beautiful as the day you received them. Here's everything you need to know.

What Causes Tarnishing?

Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. This process speeds up with exposure to:

• Perfume, deodorant, and body lotion
• Sweat and moisture
• Chlorine (swimming pools and cleaning products)
• Rubber and certain metals

The solution isn't complicated — it's just about smart habits.

Daily Care Tips

Put jewellery on last. Apply your perfume, lotion, and makeup first, then put your jewellery on. This simple habit dramatically reduces tarnishing.

Remove before water. Take off your silver before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Even daily shower exposure will dull the shine over time.

Wipe after wearing. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear removes oils and moisture before they have a chance to cause damage.

How to Clean Your Silver

For light tarnish: Gently buff with a silver polishing cloth (we include one with every order). Use gentle circular motions and avoid scrubbing.

For moderate tarnish: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the piece, rinse with clean water, and pat dry immediately with a soft cloth. Never air-dry silver.

For stubborn tarnish: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply with a soft cloth, rub gently, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately.

What to avoid: Toothpaste (too abrasive), bleach, acetone (nail polish remover), and ultrasonic cleaners unless specifically designed for silver.

Proper Storage

How you store your silver is just as important as how you clean it:

• Store each piece separately in the Ritzy pouch provided — silver can scratch itself when pieces touch
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity
• Anti-tarnish strips placed in your jewellery box work wonders for long-term storage
• Zip-lock bags are an underrated option for travel — they limit air exposure significantly

When to See a Professional

For deep scratches, broken clasps, or lost stones, take your piece to a professional jeweller for repair. Regular professional cleaning once a year keeps your fine sterling silver in mint condition.

A Note on Plated Pieces

If you have pieces from our Silver Luxe Edit that feature additional plating or stone settings, avoid abrasive cleaning methods. A soft cloth and mild soap are all you need.

With the right care routine, your Ritzy jewellery becomes a lifelong collection — pieces you'll wear, treasure, and perhaps pass on. Shop our full collection at Silver Everyday Edit and Silver Luxe Edit.