How to Care for Handmade Sterling Silver Jewellery | Scottish Artisan Guide

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Many people worry when their silver jewellery begins to darken, but there's no need to be concerned. Tarnishing is a completely natural process.

Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver, blended with a small amount of copper to give it the strength needed for everyday wear. Over time, the copper reacts with moisture and sulphur in the air, creating a thin layer of tarnish on the surface.

The good news is that tarnish doesn't mean your jewellery is damaged—it simply needs a little gentle care to restore its beautiful shine.

Wear It and Enjoy It

Jewellery is made to be worn, not hidden away.

Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver regularly can actually help keep it looking brighter. The natural oils in your skin help slow the tarnishing process, meaning your favourite everyday pieces often stay shinier than those tucked away in a drawer.

So don't save your jewellery only for special occasions. Let it become part of your everyday story.

Store Your Jewellery with Care

When you're not wearing your jewellery, storing it properly will help keep it looking its best.

We recommend keeping each piece in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, away from direct sunlight and damp conditions. Storing pieces separately also helps prevent scratches, especially if you have necklaces, rings and earrings together.

Adding an anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box can also help reduce exposure to the air that causes tarnishing.

Make sure that the materials used to make your storage pouch/box are free from chemicals that may accelerate the aging process.                                          

Keep Silver Away from Everyday Chemicals

Life is full of products that sterling silver doesn't particularly enjoy.

Perfume, hairspray, moisturisers, sunscreen and household cleaning products can all affect your jewellery's finish over time. Chlorine and salt water can also speed up tarnishing.

A simple habit is to make your jewellery the final touch before leaving the house and the first thing you remove when you return home.

If you're gardening, exercising, swimming or cleaning, it's always best to leave your jewellery somewhere safe until you're finished.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewellery

Keeping your jewellery clean doesn't require expensive products.

After wearing your jewellery, gently wipe it with a soft polishing cloth to remove natural oils and everyday dirt. This simple habit can make a noticeable difference over time.

If your jewellery develops tarnish, wash it in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid. A soft toothbrush is ideal for gently cleaning around textured details or settings.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry carefully using a soft, lint-free cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, paper towels or rough cloths, as these can create tiny scratches on the silver's surface.

Jewellery with Gemstones

Many of our handcrafted pieces feature carefully chosen gemstones, each with its own natural beauty.

Some gemstones are softer or more porous than others, so they appreciate a gentler approach. Rather than soaking gemstone jewellery for long periods, we recommend cleaning around the stone with a soft cloth and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

If you're ever unsure about the best way to care for one of your pieces, we're always happy to offer advice.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Like Scotland's ancient landscapes, sterling silver changes gently with time. Tiny marks and a soft patina often become part of the jewellery's character, reminding us of the adventures, celebrations and everyday moments it has shared with us.

With occasional cleaning and thoughtful storage, your handmade sterling silver jewellery can be enjoyed for decades and even passed down to future generations.

Handmade to Be Treasured

Every piece we create is handcrafted here in Scotland with care, creativity and a passion for traditional craftsmanship. Knowing that our jewellery becomes part of your story is one of the greatest privileges of what we do.

Thank you for supporting handmade. We hope your jewellery brings you as much joy wearing it as it brought us creating it.

If you ever have questions about caring for your jewellery, or simply need advice on keeping a favourite piece looking its best, we'd love to hear from you.