How to Care for Your Silver Jewellery: A Complete Guide
Sterling silver jewellery is timeless, elegant, and designed to last — especially when it’s crafted with care, like each piece at West Cork Silver. However, silver is also a precious metal that needs a little love to stay as bright and beautiful as the day you bought it.
If you’re wondering how to care for silver jewellery, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll share simple tips to help you clean, store, and protect your sterling silver pieces so they can be worn with meaning for years to come.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver naturally reacts with air, humidity, and chemicals, which can cause tarnishing (a dull, darker layer on the surface). This is completely normal and does not mean your jewellery is damaged — it just needs a gentle clean.
Top Tips for Caring for Silver Jewellery
1. Wear Your Jewellery Often
Believe it or not, wearing silver jewellery helps prevent tarnish. The movement and the natural oils in your skin keep the metal looking polished and shiny.
2. Keep Jewellery Away from Chemicals
Perfume, hairspray, body lotions, chlorine, and even household cleaners can cause silver to tarnish more quickly. Always put your jewellery on last and remove it before swimming or cleaning.
3. Store Your Silver Correctly
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or jewellery box.
Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs to reduce moisture.
Keep your jewellery away from direct sunlight and damp environments.
4. Clean Silver Jewellery Regularly
Gentle soap & water: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water, soak briefly, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Polishing cloth: Invest in a silver polishing cloth to remove light tarnish and restore shine. Every piece of West Cork Silver comes with its own mini silver cloth.
Professional cleaning: For heavily tarnished or intricate pieces, consider professional cleaning to protect the detail.
5. Avoid Abrasive Materials
Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or rough cloths to clean silver — they can scratch the surface and damage the finish.
Caring for West Cork Silver Pieces
Each piece from West Cork Silver is crafted in solid sterling silver and designed to last a lifetime. By following these care tips, you’ll protect your jewellery’s natural shine and keep it ready to be worn with meaning every day.
Quick Checklist
Store in a dry place, away from sunlight
Wear often to keep natural shine
Clean gently with mild soap or a silver cloth
Avoid contact with perfume, lotions, and chlorine
Final Thought
Jewellery is more than an accessory — it’s part of your story. With a little care, your silver jewellery can stay as beautiful as the day you found it.
Explore the latest West Cork Silver Collection and find a piece you’ll love to wear for years to come.