Sterling silver is one of the most beautiful metals in the world — and one of the most forgiving, if you know how to care for it. Whether you own a CanarianCanary ring, watch, bracelet, or pendant, these tips will keep your piece looking as brilliant as the day it arrived.
Why Sterling Silver Tarnishes
Tarnish is not damage — it is chemistry. Sterling silver (925) is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. When copper reacts with oxygen and sulfur compounds in the air, it forms a dark layer on the surface. This is completely normal and entirely reversible. The good news: tarnish is easy to prevent and even easier to remove.
How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home
For everyday cleaning: Wipe your silver with a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber works best) after each wear. This removes oils, sweat, and residue before they can accelerate tarnish.
For light tarnish: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Gently rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately. Never leave silver wet — moisture speeds up tarnishing.
For heavier tarnish: Make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply with a soft cloth, rub gently in a circular motion, rinse completely, and buff dry. Works especially well on plain silver bands and chains.
For pieces with gemstones: Avoid soaking or submerging. Use a slightly damp cloth around the stone and dry immediately. Porous stones like turquoise, coral, and malachite can absorb water and cleaning agents — treat them gently.
What to Avoid
- Chlorine and bleach — Never wear silver in swimming pools or when cleaning with bleach. Chlorine rapidly degrades silver.
- Perfume and hairspray — Apply these before putting on your jewelry, not after.
- Ultrasonic cleaners — These can loosen gemstone settings and damage delicate handcrafted details.
- Rubber bands and elastic — Rubber contains sulfur, which accelerates tarnish dramatically.
- Abrasive cloths or paper towels — These scratch the silver surface.
How to Store Sterling Silver
Proper storage is the single biggest factor in keeping silver tarnish-free:
- Store each piece in a separate soft pouch or compartment to prevent scratching.
- Include an anti-tarnish strip in your jewelry box — these absorb sulfur in the air and extend the life of your silver dramatically.
- Avoid storing silver in the bathroom, where humidity and steam accelerate tarnish.
- A cool, dry, dark place is ideal.
When to Take Your Silver Off
Our artisans recommend removing sterling silver before:
- Swimming (chlorine and saltwater both harm silver)
- Working out (sweat accelerates tarnish)
- Showering (prolonged water exposure and soap residue)
- Sleeping (oils from skin and bedding build up over time)
- Doing household cleaning with chemicals
Professional Cleaning
Once or twice a year, bring your most-worn pieces to a professional jeweler for ultrasonic cleaning (for pieces without delicate stones) and polishing. A professional polish can restore the original mirror finish to oxidized or scratched silver.
The Armenian Artisan Approach
At CanarianCanary, our pieces are handcrafted in Armenia and finished with care. Many have intentional oxidation — a darkened patina deliberately applied to highlight carved details. If your piece has this oxidized look, avoid heavy polishing, which would remove the effect. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is all you need.
With the right care, a well-made 925 sterling silver piece will last decades — even generations. That is the whole point of handcrafted jewelry: it is built to be passed down, not thrown away.
Have questions about caring for your specific piece? Contact us and our team will help.