Sterling silver is one of the most beautiful and enduring materials in jewellery — but it does need a little looking after. The good news is that caring for your silver is much simpler than most people think, and a few small habits are all it takes to keep it looking beautiful for years.

Whether you've just received a new piece, inherited something special, or simply want to refresh jewellery you already own, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Sterling Silver Tarnishes — And Why That's Normal

Tarnish is the natural result of sterling silver reacting with sulphur compounds in the air, in skin products, and in everyday life. It shows up as a dull, yellowish or dark discolouration on the surface of the metal — and it's entirely normal. It doesn't mean the silver is poor quality.

The 925 hallmark on your Loyalty & Love jewellery means the piece is 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is copper, which gives the metal its strength. It's this copper content that reacts with the environment and causes tarnish over time.

How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home

You don't need specialist products — most of what you need is already at home.

The Gentle Daily Clean

For jewellery worn regularly, a simple wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing is usually enough to keep it bright.

The Warm Water Wash

For a slightly deeper clean, a warm water wash works well for most silver pieces.

1. Add a small drop of gentle dish soap to a bowl of warm (not hot) water
2. Use a soft toothbrush to work gently into any crevices or charm details
3. Rinse thoroughly — make sure all soap residue is removed
4. Dry immediately — pat dry and leave to air dry completely before storing

Removing Tarnish

A specialist silver polishing cloth is the easiest and safest solution for noticeable tarnish. For heavier tarnish on plain silver pieces, a small amount of silver polish cream applied with a soft cloth works well — always rinse thoroughly afterwards.

What to Avoid

How to Store Sterling Silver

Proper storage makes a significant difference to how quickly silver tarnishes. The main enemy is air — specifically the sulphur compounds in it.

• Store in a cool, dry place — away from humidity. Bathrooms are not ideal.
• Use an airtight bag or box — slows tarnishing significantly.
• Keep pieces separate — avoid scratching, particularly with chains and bracelets.
• Anti-tarnish strips — inexpensive strips that absorb sulphur; place inside your jewellery box.

Caring for Charm Bracelets Specifically

Charm bracelets have more surfaces and crevices than a plain piece, so they benefit from a little extra attention:

• Use a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water to clean in and around each charm — rinse thoroughly and dry completely
• For stone-set charms, wipe with a barely damp cloth rather than submerging in water
• If charms have an oxidised or antique finish, avoid silver polish — it will remove the darkened detailing
• After a holiday or heavy wear, give the whole bracelet a gentle clean before storing

A Note on Patina

Over years of wear, sterling silver develops a patina — a subtle, lived-in quality that many people actually prefer to the brightness of new silver. It's what makes vintage silver jewellery so beautiful. If you love that look, simply wipe with a cloth to remove surface dirt and let the silver age naturally.

There is no wrong way to wear your jewellery. Bright and polished or gently aged — either is beautiful, and both are entirely yours.