How to Care for Your Handcrafted Silver Jewellery

Nothing dampens the thrill of slipping on your favourite artisan silver necklace more than discovering it’s dulled with unsightly tarnish. You excitedly lift it from your jewellery box, ready to sparkle—only to find a grimy film marring its shine. Don’t worry! With a few simple techniques, you can restore and preserve your handcrafted silver jewellery so it always looks its very best.

1. Understand Why Silver Tarnishes

Silver reacts with sulphur-containing substances in the air—such as hydrogen sulphide—to form dark silver sulphide on its surface. Everyday factors like body oils, lotions, perfume, household chemicals, and even certain foods (like eggs and onions) can speed up tarnishing. Recognizing these culprits helps you minimize contact and keep your pieces radiant longer.

2. Safe Cleaning Techniques

1. Gentle Soap and Water:
• Fill a bowl with warm water and add a drop of mild, phosphate-free dish soap.
• Submerge your silver piece and use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen dirt.
• Rinse thoroughly under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Tip: Avoid soaking items with gemstones or delicate settings—water can seep behind stones and loosen them.
2. Baking Soda Paste (Occasional Use):
• Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste.
• Gently rub the paste onto tarnished areas with a soft cloth.
• Rinse well and buff dry.
• Caution: This method is slightly abrasive and should be used sparingly to prevent micro-scratches on your artisan silver.
3. Commercial Silver Cleaners (Sparingly):
• Choose a cleaner specifically labelled for sterling silver.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, and rinse thoroughly afterward.
• Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

3. Polishing for Lasting Shine

• Use a High-Quality Silver Polishing Cloth:
  These treated cloths remove tarnish and leave a protective wax coating. Gently rub each piece until the shine is revived.
• Avoid Over-Polishing:
  Aggressive or frequent polishing can wear down fine details and patinas designed by artisans. Aim for a gentle buff once every few months, depending on wear.

4. Proper Storage Practices

1. Air-Tight Containers or Zip-Top Bags:
   Store each piece separately in a sealed bag, squeezing out excess air. This limits exposure to tarnish-causing sulphur compounds.
2. Anti-Tarnish Strips or Cloths:
   Place anti-tarnish strips inside your storage container to absorb moisture and pollutants.
3. Keep Jewellery Dry:
   Never store wet or damp jewellery. Moisture accelerates tarnishing and can damage delicate settings.

5. Everyday Jewellery Maintenance Tips

• Last On, First Off:
  Make silver the final touch of your outfit—after applying perfume, lotion, and hairspray—and remove it first when undressing.
• Routine Wipe-Down:
  After each wear, wipe your silver with a soft polishing cloth. This removes sweat, oils, and dust before they begin to tarnish the surface.
• Rotate Your Pieces:
  Give each piece a break. Constant wear of the same item speeds up tarnishing.

6. Your Artisan Silver, Your Personal Touch

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, each silver piece at Global Artisans Pvt Ltd tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Treat your artisan silver with care, and it will reward you with timeless beauty for years to come.

Ready to start—or expand—your artisan silver collection? Explore our exquisite handcrafted silver jewellery at Global Artisans and discover pieces that speak to your unique style.