Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way clean Sterling Silver?

Cleaning sterling silver requires a balance of removing tarnish while being gentle enough to preserve its finish. Here’s an effective and safe way to clean sterling silver:

Gentle Soap and Water Wash (for Light Cleaning)

• Mild Soap and Lukewarm Water: For lightly tarnished pieces, mix a few drops of mild dish soap (without harsh chemicals) with lukewarm water.
• Soft Cloth or Sponge: Gently wash the silver with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
• Rinse and Dry Immediately: Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid water spots.

Baking Soda and Water Paste (for Moderate Tarnish)

• Make a Paste: Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste.
• Rub Gently: Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the silver, rubbing gently in circular motions.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda Bath (for Heavy Tarnish)

• Line a Bowl with Aluminium Foil: Place a piece of aluminium foil at the bottom of a glass or plastic bowl (avoid metal bowls as they can interfere with the process).
• Add Baking Soda and Hot Water: Add a few tablespoons of baking soda and pour hot (not boiling) water over it. Stir until dissolved.
• Soak the Silver: Place the silver pieces in the solution so they touch the foil. The reaction will cause tarnish to transfer from the silver to the foil.
• Rinse and Dry: After a few minutes, remove the silver, rinse well, and dry with a soft cloth.

Silver Polish (for a Professional Finish)

• Choose a High-Quality Silver Polish: For particularly delicate or valuable pieces, use a silver polish designed specifically for sterling silver.
• Apply and Buff: Follow the product’s instructions, applying a small amount of polish with a soft, lint-free cloth and buffing gently to bring back the shine.

Storage Tips to Prevent Tarnish

• Store in Anti-Tarnish Cloth or Bags: Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags or wrapped in a cloth, ideally in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
• Use Silica Gel Packs or Anti-Tarnish Strips: Place these in your storage area to absorb moisture and reduce tarnish.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Toothpaste or Harsh Abrasives: These can scratch silver surfaces.
• Don’t Use Rubber Gloves: Rubber contains sulphur, which can promote tarnish.
• Wear Silver Often: Frequent use can help prevent tarnish build-up since skin oils naturally protect silver.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a high-quality silver alloy commonly used in jewellery, flatware, and decorative items. It is prized for its durability and beautiful shine. Here’s what makes sterling silver distinct:

Composition

• 92.5% Pure Silver: Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver.
• 7.5% Other Metals: The remaining 7.5% is typically copper, but other metals like zinc may sometimes be used. This added metal strengthens the silver, making it more durable and less prone to scratching or bending.

Purity and Markings

• "925" Mark: Authentic sterling silver is often stamped with “925” or “.925,” indicating its 92.5% purity.
• Other Hallmarks: Some sterling silver items may also have additional hallmarks indicating the manufacturer, country of origin, or quality assurance.

Why Use Sterling Silver Instead of Pure Silver?

• Strength and Durability: Pure silver (99.9% silver, also called fine silver) is very soft and easily damaged, so it isn’t practical for many everyday items. The alloyed metals in sterling silver give it the strength needed for practical use without compromising too much of its beauty.
• Affordability: Sterling silver is generally more affordable than fine silver, making it popular for decorative and everyday items.

Appearance and Care

• Bright, Reflective Shine: Sterling silver has a beautiful luster and is highly reflective, making it popular for fine jewelry, flatware, and other decorative items.
• Tarnishing: Sterling silver tarnishes over time due to the presence of copper, which reacts with sulfur in the air. Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prevent or remove tarnish.

Common Uses

• Jewellery: Rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
• Tableware: Cutlery, serving dishes, and candlesticks.
• Decorative Items: Picture frames, ornaments, and high-quality accessories.

Sterling silver’s unique combination of beauty, durability, and versatility makes it a popular choice for a wide range of high-quality products.