Silver Care

Fine silver is a very soft metal and can be scratched easily if you aren't careful. Never use anything but a clean 100% cotton cloth or a very soft bristle brush made for fine silver. If reusing a cloth or brush, remember that dirt left behind from previous cleanings can scratch as well.

Since most gemstones can be damaged or discoloured by liquid detergent, for cleaning we are recommending simply soaking in very warm water (no detergent) any jewellery containing gemstones.

After soaking dry completely with a soft 100% cotton jewellery cloth before storing in an air tight zip lock bag. We recommend Connoisseurs Polishing Cloths which are safe to use on gemstones and can be used alone to clean your silver. Never clean gemstones with liquid or paste cleaners as it will discolour the stones and scratch silver.

There are many types of small machines on the market today that will clean jewellery using high-frequency sound. Although these ultrasonic cleaners can be a convenient way to clean jewellery at home, these machines can damage stones and shells so we do not recommend unless using on our jewellery without shells and gemstones.

Storing Silver Jewellery

• Storing your fine silver jewellery in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue on your fine silver - then quickly it turns to black. This is a normal process that is caused by oxidization, moisture from the air, and sunshine.
  
  To reduce tarnish keep your silver jewellery in an air-tight protective bag made of tarnish proof cloth or use a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene.

• Avoid storing your silver jewellery directly on wood surfaces since wood usually contains acids that can mark the finish. Oak seems to be the worst offender.
  
  Try to protect all jewellery from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  
  Chlorine and related chemicals can discolour and damage jewellery as well as loosen stones and settings.
  
  Put jewellery on after using cosmetics, hair spray, or perfumes to avoid contact with substances and chemicals which may cause damage.
  
  Remove rings when working with your hands, such as performing household tasks, gardening and using abrasive particles.
  
  Carefully wipe jewellery with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove oils and salts.
  
  Store jewellery separately so it will not scratch other jewellery.
  
  Storing beaded necklaces flat is highly recommended to reduce stretching.