Read our care guides to keep your jewelry at its best

 

What is Sterling Silver?

 
At its core, Sterling silver is a combination of metal types. Our Elaf Jewelry pieces are stamped with seen the 925 mark which signifies the amount of silver within the piece.
Sterling Silver—also known as 925 Silver—represents approximately 92.5% silver (Ag) and 7.5% copper (Cu). Regardless of the other 7.5%, the 925 will always remain standard for 92.5% purity.
 
 

DOES SILVER TARNISH?

Tarnishing occurs when there’s interaction with molecules and sulfur. Most 925 sterling silver is 7.5% copper. When copper is exposed to oxygen, salt and moisture, it causes discoloration. Burning fossil fuels also results in silver turning dark.

WHAT PREVENTATIVE CARE OPTIONS EXIST?

Upkeep for sterling silver jewelry is crucial for longevity. See below for the following tips:

Wear Your Jewellery Often

Believe it or not, One of the best ways to prevent sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is by wearing it.
Your skin's oils can actually help to keep the jewelry clean and maintain its brilliance and keep it looking shiny
In-between wears, wipe down your jewelry and make sure it’s completely dry before storing.

Avoid Exposure

Do not wear silver jewelry when swimming as chlorine can permanently damage the jewelry also, perfumes or lotions on the skin may cause tarnishing.

SUBSTANCES CONTAINING SULFUR

You must keep the jewelry away from:

• Household chemicals
• Chlorinated water
• Rubber
• Substances containing sulfur (latex, wool, eggs, mustard, etc.)
• Direct sunlight
• Hairspray
• Lotions
• Perfumes

• Another list of big enemies of sterling silver jewelry include cosmetics, lotions, hair sprays, hair products, and perfumes. These products accelerate tarnishing. When applying these products, it’s important to ensure they settle in before putting on your jewelry.

So, avoid wearing jewelry when performing household chores. It's also important to put jewelry on last, so it doesn't come into contact with beauty products or perfume.
During these activities, it’s best to ensure your jewelry is removed, dry and in airtight storage.
 
 

COSMETICS

Storage Is Key

Exposure to air tarnishes sterling silver. Although its not the prettiest, It’s important to store silver in individual, airtight plastic bags.         
Another option to store jewelry is an airtight and soft fabric-lined box for individual pieces.
 
 
Polishing is a great way to spruce up sterling silver fashion jewelry that hasn't tarnished too much. It's also a helpful way to clean oxidized silver, too.
We recommend using a special silver cloth to polish the accessories. If you don't have one, use a microfiber or non-abrasive cloth.
Never use tissues or paper towels to clean the items, as they could potentially scratch the silver.
The best polishing method is to use back and forth motions that mirror the silver's grain.
You might think rubbing in circles is the best method, but this will only highlight any scratches.
Has polishing not worked? Not to worry, here's how to clean sterling silver at home...
Polishing sometimes isn't enough to clean your sterling silver.
If you want to know how to clean sterling silver at home, you'll be glad to know there are many options to try.

Soap and Water

Soap and warm water is a classic cleaning method, and it can breathe new life into your sterling silver.
Combine warm water with a mild ammonia, such as phosphate-free dishwashing soap.

 

This should be your first port of call if polishing doesn't work. Try this before you move onto the following sterling silver cleaning tips.

Baking Soda and Water

If soap doesn't work, combine water with baking soda to make a paste. You should apply a pea-sized amount of the paste to a clean cloth to polish the silver.
If you have stamped, etched or detailed jewelry, we suggest adding more water to make a thinner paste. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach any crevices.
Once done, run the item under warm water before drying it with a clean cloth. It may soon look as good as new.

 

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

Lemon juice is known for its cleaning properties.
If you want to know how to clean sterling silver, lemon juice and olive oil could be the best option for your item.
All you need to do is mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with only a tsp. of olive oil in a large bowl.
Dip a small microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution before wringing it out. You can then polish the silver, rinse it under warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

If baking soda doesn't work with warm water, you could always try it with white vinegar, instead.
It's a gentle way to remove heavy tarnishing. Soak the tarnished jewelry in a solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp. of baking soda.
You should soak the item in the solution for between two to three hours.
Don't be surprised if the solution fizzes!