Follow the this guide and your silver jewellery look great forever and a day.

Storing sterling silver jewellery.

The important thing to control with silver jewellery is tarnishing. This darkens the ring and occurs when the non silver elements (usually copper) of the jewellery react with the air or any other substance it comes into contact with. This process is also magnified depending on humidity; the more warm and humid the faster the process.

We would recommend you store your jewellery in a specially made box. You can also put jewellery in tarnish prevention cloths and bags. These items all stop the silver rubbing on any hard surface or other items that could dent or scratch it. Keep your silver in a cool dry place if possible.

Cleaning silver jewellery.

Although it can take months for jewellery to tarnish, you should clean it once or twice a month at least to keep it in tip top condition. Use a low abrasive cleaner, always a good option. Some people believe toothpaste can be used but this is not advised by experts as they it dulls the sterling silver and leaves tiny scratches.

There are many special cleaning cloths and potions available to combat the tarnishing of silver jewellery. However, many of the items that we stock have rhodium or anti-tarnish finishes, which are especially good at keeping your jewellery sparkling. Your items can still benefit from a polish with a jeweller's silver cleaning cloth which is available for just a few pounds.

What is silver patina?

Over time and constant use your silver jewellery should develop a gorgeous "patina". This is a combination of minute light and dark areas. If you like it then leave it, otherwise use a polish to restore its original shiny silver appearance.

Cleaning cubic zirconia jewellery.

Cleaning cubic zirconia jewellery is very easy and like diamond the cubic zirconia gem needs to be cleaned to maintain its brilliance. Contact with hand cream, perfume and hairspray can cause your brilliant gem to dull. However, with a small soft brush (like a toothbrush) and a mild detergent and warm water any build up of beauty products and such can be easily removed.

Today gemologists agree that cubic zirconia comes closer than any other gem to matching the characteristics of a diamond so it's important to care for it in the same way.

Cleaning Murano glass jewellery.

Murano glass jewewllery can be carefully washed in warm soapy water to keep it clean. Those that incorporate silver can also be polished with a silver cloth.