Expert Advice
Silver Jewellery
Care Guide
925 sterling silver is made to last a lifetime — but like all precious metals, it rewards a little care. Follow these tips to keep your pieces shining like the day they arrived.
Clean after each wear
Store dry, airtight
Remove before water
Apply perfume first
Daily Cleaning
- 1Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and residue.
- 2Use a damp cloth for slightly dirtier pieces — pat dry immediately after.
- 3A mild dish soap solution (a few drops in lukewarm water) works for weekly cleaning. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- 4Never use paper towels — they can scratch the surface.
Deep Polish (Monthly)
- 1Use a silver polishing cloth (available at any jewellery store or online for ₹50–₹100).
- 2Rub gently in back-and-forth strokes — not circular, which creates micro-scratches.
- 3For intricate designs: a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap works well in crevices.
- 4Rinse with clean water, dry with a soft cloth, and allow to air dry fully before storing.
Storage
- 1Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or the original MY Silvers box to prevent scratching.
- 2Add an anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box — they absorb the sulfur compounds that cause tarnish.
- 3Keep silver in a cool, dry place — humidity accelerates tarnishing.
- 4Do not store in bathrooms or near windows where moisture and UV light are present.
What to Avoid
- 1Chlorine and bleach — these permanently damage 925 silver. Remove jewellery before swimming pools or cleaning.
- 2Saltwater — sea water accelerates tarnish and can weaken prong settings.
- 3Perfume and hairspray — apply these first, let them dry, then put on your jewellery.
- 4Rubber and elastic bands — the sulfur in rubber causes rapid black tarnish.
- 5Ultrasonic cleaners — safe for hard gemstones but can loosen softer stones (pearls, opals, turquoise).
Removing Tarnish
- 1Method 1 — Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water to a toothpaste consistency. Apply with a soft cloth, rub gently, rinse, dry.
- 2Method 2 — Aluminium foil bath: Line a bowl with foil, add hot water + 2 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp salt. Submerge silver for 5 minutes. The chemical reaction pulls tarnish off the silver.
- 3Method 3 — Toothpaste: White (non-gel) toothpaste on a soft brush. Rub gently, rinse well. Great for textured surfaces.
- 4For heavy tarnish or oxidised pieces: visit a professional jeweller for ultrasonic cleaning.
Wearing Tips
- 1"Last on, first off" — your jewellery goes on after makeup, perfume and hair products.
- 2Remove rings when washing hands, applying lotion or doing household chores.
- 3Worn daily, silver actually tarnishes less — skin oils keep it polished. Regular wear is the best maintenance.
- 4Remove anklets before bed and before extended water exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my silver turning black?
Silver reacts with hydrogen sulfide in the air to form silver sulfide — that's the black layer called tarnish. It's completely natural and reversible. A quick polish with a silver cloth or one of the home methods above restores full shine in minutes.
Can I wear 925 silver in the shower?
Occasionally is fine, but daily shower exposure accelerates tarnishing from soap scum, shampoo and hot water. For best results, remove silver before showering. Chlorine in swimming pools is far more damaging — always remove silver before swimming.
Is tarnishing a sign of low-quality silver?
No. All silver — even fine 999 silver — tarnishes over time. It's a chemical property of silver, not a quality defect. BIS 925 hallmarked silver tarnishes at the same rate as any other genuine 925 piece. Silver-plated jewellery also tarnishes, but cannot be polished back because the base metal underneath will show.
How often should I clean my silver?
A quick wipe with a soft cloth after every wear prevents buildup. A proper polish once a month keeps pieces looking new. If you wear a piece daily, it may need less cleaning — the natural oils in your skin help maintain shine.
Can I use toothpaste to clean silver?
White non-gel toothpaste works in a pinch — it's mildly abrasive and removes light tarnish well. Avoid gel toothpastes (too slippery) and whitening toothpastes (too abrasive for polished silver). Rinse very thoroughly afterward.
My earrings are causing irritation. What should I do?
Genuine 925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic for most people. If irritation occurs: (1) Clean the earring posts with isopropyl alcohol before wearing. (2) Ensure earrings are fully dry before inserting. (3) If irritation persists, it may be a nickel sensitivity — our silver is nickel-free, but consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes.
Shop with Confidence
Every MY Silvers piece is BIS hallmarked 925 sterling silver — backed by a 7-day easy return policy.