How to Care for Sterling Silver So It Always Shines

Do you remember the last time you gave your jewelry a proper clean? Most of us don't- and that's how silver loses its sparkle. You never really plan for silver to tarnish.

It just happens. You look down at that ring you've worn for years- the one that's seen you through jobs, birthdays, and random late-night food runs-  and it's not what it used to be.

The shine is gone. The surface looks cloudy. And it's hard not to feel a little disappointed. Because this wasn't cheap, it wasn't fake silver. It's real silver. So why does it look like you've had it since middle school?

What No One Tells You About Sterling Silver Until It’s Too Late

The thing most of us don't realize is that sterling silver doesn't go bad. It just reacts to your habits, your environment, and your lack of attention.

And if you've never known how to care for it properly, that's not on you. Sometimes we are too happy when buying that necklace at checkout or clicking "Add to Cart" on our lunch break, that we forget about reading the instructions about silver upkeep 

But now that you know what's happening, you can start treating your silver the way it deserves to be treated. Without babying it. Without spending hours. Without doing the most.

Let's see how.

Silver Isn't Fragile- But It's Not Effortless

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). That tiny bit of copper is why it tarnishes- not because it's poor quality, but because it's natural.

Air, moisture, oils, and chemicals all interact with it. That's what causes it to darken or dull over time. You don't need to panic about that- you just need to know it's not avoidable unless you make a few simple changes.

Your Skincare Routine is Sneakily the Problem

We layer on serums, creams, SPF, and body oils like it's a sport- and your silver picks up all of it.

If you're applying product and then throwing on your rings or necklaces five minutes later, you're coating your silver in ingredients it wasn't built to handle.

But what helps? Wait until your skin's dry. Put your sterling silver ring or jewelery on after your beauty routine, not during. Silver should be the last thing you reach for before walking out the door- not part of the skincare.

Open Air is Silver's Silent Enemy

Let's talk about storage. Most people leave their silver in open trays, bathroom counters, or that cute ceramic dish by the mirror.

It looks organized. But it's not protective.

Humidity in bathrooms? Tarnish fuel. Leaving silver exposed to oxygen? Slow fade, guaranteed.

What works better:

• Soft pouches

• Separate compartments

• Zip-lock bags (not glamorous, but they work)

• Anti-tarnish strips or even a stick of chalk (it absorbs moisture)

You don't need a jewelry vault- just a bit of thought before you toss it aside.

Clean It Like You'd Clean Your Glasses- Quick, Gentle, Consistent

You don't need to splurge money on an expensive kit. Just keep a small microfiber or silver polishing cloth nearby. Wipe your silver down after wearing, especially if it's been a long day or you've been outside. This removes oils and sweat before they get a chance to react.

What you need to skip:

• Toothpaste

• Baking soda

• Lemon juice

• Any "quick fix" TikTok trend involving foil

These might give you a short-term shine, but long-term? They wear silver down.

If It's Already Tarnished, It's Not Game Over

Tarnish looks bad, but it's not permanent. If you haven't cleaned your silver in months (or years), don't stress. A quality silver cleaner or professional polish can bring it back to life as if it were brand new.

And if it's a favorite piece- the kind you wore daily until it faded- it's worth reviving.

You Don't Need to Clean All the Time- Just Be Consistent

You don't need to treat your jewelry like it's delicate. You just need to not forget about it completely.

Make a habit of:

• Wiping it down after wear

• Storing it somewhere dry

• Rotating pieces so no one item gets overexposed

Keeping it away from harsh environments (consider: workouts, pools, cleaning products)

It's the small things that keep your silver looking like it belongs in your outfit, not your keepsake drawer.

Where We Fit Into Your Routine 

At Lucy Jurado, we don't expect you to live in a jewelry bubble.

We know you wear your silver through coffee runs, late nights, flights, FaceTimes, and random Tuesday errands.

So we build pieces that are strong enough to handle your day- and we keep silver care honest, simple, and low-effort.

Because what's the point of beautiful jewelry if it's too delicate for real life?

Bottom Line

Sterling silver isn't complicated. It just doesn't like being forgotten.

And if you care for it just enough, not obsessively, just consistently, it'll stay with you for years.

Not tucked away. Not "for special occasions." But shining in your everyday.