Jewellery care

Caring for your sterling silver jewellery

At Atelier Biru, we create jewellery from high-quality sterling silver. Silver is a beautiful and durable material, but it does require a little care to keep its shine over time. Below you’ll find some useful tips to help you enjoy your jewellery for many years to come.

What is sterling silver?

Silver is used in different levels of purity.

  • Fine silver (99.9%) is almost pure silver. It has a bright white colour but is very soft, making it less suitable for everyday jewellery.

  • Sterling silver (92.5%) is the most common alloy. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or another metal. This makes it stronger and more durable, but also slightly more prone to tarnishing.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?

Over time, sterling silver can become darker or lose some of its shine. This is called tarnishing. It happens because the copper in the alloy reacts with oxygen and sulfur in the air. This is a completely natural process and does not mean your jewellery is of lower quality.

What can cause tarnishing?

In addition to exposure to air, several factors can speed up tarnishing:

  • Skin contact: the natural acidity of your skin can affect silver.

  • Chemicals: cosmetics, perfume, lotions, deodorant, hairspray, and cleaning products can all cause silver to tarnish more quickly.

  • Water: chlorinated water and seawater are especially harsh on silver.

How to prevent tarnishing

  • Remove jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising.

  • Avoid contact with perfume, lotion, or cosmetics; put your jewellery on only after your skin has dried.

  • Do not wear silver jewellery while cleaning or doing heavy household tasks.

  • Wearing your silver jewellery often also helps prevent tarnishing, as the natural friction keeps it looking bright.

How to store your silver jewellery

When you’re not wearing your jewellery:

  • Store it in a dry and dark place, ideally in a jewellery box or sealed pouch.

  • Airtight grip-seal bags or anti-tarnish pouches are especially effective.

  • Keep pieces separate to prevent scratching.

How to clean your silver jewellery

  • Regular polishing: use a soft silver polishing cloth to refresh the shine.

  • Gentle cleaning at home: wash with warm water and a drop of mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

  • Avoid harsh products: do not use toothpaste, baking soda, or other abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface.

  • Do not use paper products: tissues or paper towels may seem soft, but their fibers can leave fine scratches on silver. Always choose a microfiber or jewellery cloth.

  • For matte finishes: if your jewellery has a brushed or matte surface, avoid polishing cloths that add shine. Instead, clean gently with mild soap and water, then dry with a soft microfiber cloth to preserve the matte look.

 If you ever have questions about caring for your jewellery, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help you keep your Atelier Biru pieces looking their best.