Sterling silver: she’s classic, she’s versatile, she shines like a dream—and yes, she can be a little high-maintenance. But that’s just because she deserves proper care. If you’ve got a beloved silver piece (or five) in your jewelry dish, you’ve probably noticed they can tarnish over time. Don’t worry—tarnish doesn’t mean your jewelry’s going bad. It just means she needs a little spa day.
So let’s talk silver care. Here’s how to keep your sterling beauties looking bright and fabulous for years (and outfits) to come.
✨ First: Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Tarnish is just a natural reaction between silver and elements in the air—especially sulfur, moisture, and oxygen. Basically, your jewelry is reacting to the world around it, like a true empath. But with a little TLC, it’ll bounce right back to its shiny self.
🧼 Daily Sterling Silver TLC
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Store it smart: Keep your silver in a dry, cool place—ideally in a jewelry pouch or box with anti-tarnish strips. (Bonus points for a cute display situation.)
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Avoid harsh chemicals: That means perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, pools, hot tubs—pretty much anything you'd see at a Vegas pool party.
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Wear it often: Believe it or not, wearing your silver actually helps prevent tarnish! Your skin’s natural oils give it a gentle polish. (You = hero.)
🧽 Deep Cleaning Method: The Vinegar + Baking Soda Soak
Ready for some silver alchemy? This is one of our favorite ways to bring sterling back to life using things you probably already have in your kitchen.
What you’ll need:
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½ cup white vinegar
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2 tablespoons baking soda
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A small bowl
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A soft cloth or microfiber towel
How to do it:
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Add the baking soda to the vinegar slowly—it will fizz like a 7th grade science fair volcano.
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Place your sterling silver jewelry in the bowl. Let it soak for about 2–3 hours.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water and gently dry with a soft cloth.
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Admire how shiny your piece looks (and maybe do a little happy dance).
Note: This method works best for plain silver pieces. If your jewelry includes gemstones, pearls, or anything glued in, opt for a gentler wipe-down instead.
🪄 For Light Tarnish: Quick Fix
If your piece just needs a quick refresh, you can use a silver polishing cloth or a soft microfiber cloth. Gently buff the surface to bring back the glow—no need to scrub like you're doing dishes after a dinner party.
💡 Pro Tip
Clean your silver before it looks like it needs it. Preventative care goes a long way. Think of it like flossing… but more sparkly.
Whether your sterling silver is dainty, bold, or somewhere in between (hey, we love range), a little regular care will keep it looking just as special as the day you first slipped it on.
Have questions or want us to polish it for you? Stop by our Seattle studio or drop us a line—we love jewelry talk.
Stay shiny,
Team Baleen 💫