Keeping Your Silver Jewellery Beautiful: Silver Jewellery Care Tips

Your handmade silver jewellery is not just an accessory; it's a unique piece of craftsmanship that reflects your unique style and personality. To ensure it remains as stunning as the day you acquired it, it's essential to understand why silver tarnishes and how to properly care for it.

In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind silver tarnish and reveal the secret of non-tarnish .925 sterling silver from New Zealand (used on most Mētzli pieces). We'll also provide you with practical tips on how to care for your artisan jewellery at home, keeping it beautiful for years to come.

Why Does Silver Tarnish?

Silver jewellery can tarnish over time due to a chemical reaction between the silver and sulphur compounds in the air. This reaction forms silver sulfide, which appears as a dark, dull layer on the surface of the silver. Tarnish can also be accelerated by factors such as exposure to moisture, humidity, cosmetics, and perfumes. If your silver jewellery begins to tarnish, do not panic! This is a normal chemical reaction and can happen to any piece of sterling silver. The good news is, most tarnish is not corrosive and can be brought back to its beautiful shine.

The Secret of Non-Tarnish .925 Sterling Silver from New Zealand

If you own jewellery made of .925 sterling silver from New Zealand, you're in luck. This type of silver is renowned for its resistance to tarnish, thanks to its unique composition. .925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The New Zealand variety often contains even less copper, making it more resistant to tarnish. Additionally, our New Zealand climate, with lower sulphur content in the air, contributes to the non-tarnish properties of our sterling silver.

To put it into perspective for those of us that live in New Zealand, if we walked around Rotorua or geothermals, most silvers would tarnish - hence why we have this variety. Just don't go into the hot springs with your jewellery! It will definitely tarnish immediately once it makes contact with the sulfur!

Most of Mētzli's jewellery is non-tarnish .925 New Zealand sterling silver - help keeping our jewellery shiny and beautiful.

Caring for Your Artisan Jewellery at Home

How should you care for your jewellery and keep it beautiful at home?

1. Wear It Regularly: Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewellery can help prevent tarnish. The natural oils in your skin can create a protective barrier. Just be sure to clean it after wearing it to remove any accumulated oils and dirt.

2. Store Properly: When you're not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use anti-tarnish pouches or jewelry boxes with tarnish-resistant lining to provide an extra layer of protection.

3. Avoid Exposure: Keep your silver jewellery away from household chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes. These substances can accelerate tarnishing.

4. Clean Gently: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean your jewellery regularly. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface. For stubborn tarnish, you can use a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver cleaner specifically designed for .925 sterling silver.

5. DIY Cleaning: If you prefer a DIY cleaning solution, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your jewellery, then rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth.

6. Professional Cleaning: Consider having your silver jewellery professionally cleaned and polished by a jeweller if it becomes heavily tarnished or scratched. If you're Auckland-based, Mētzli jewellery can be brought back for cleaning and polishing.

7. Regular Wear and Care: Silver jewellery tends to tarnish less when regularly worn and cleaned. So, don't hesitate to enjoy your beautiful pieces often.

Your handmade silver jewellery is an investment in beauty and craftsmanship, and with the right care, it can remain radiant for generations. Understanding the reasons behind silver tarnish and the unique properties of .925 sterling silver from New Zealand is the first step in proper care. By following these simple tips on caring for your artisan jewellery at home, you can ensure that each piece continues to shine with the same shiny brilliance as the day you acquired it. So, wear your silver jewellery proudly, knowing that with a little care, its beauty will endure.