7 things you need to know about caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery
We've recently added sterling silver to our jewellery collections so here's everything you need to know to make sure your new silver Meg Lizabet treasure lives a good life!
Sterling silver jewelry is a true wardrobe hero — timeless, versatile, and stylish. Whether you’re layering delicate rings or rocking a statement chain, your silver deserves a little love.
But because sterling silver is a softer metal (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper alloy), it needs thoughtful care to stay stunning.
Here’s your ultimate, sparkle-filled guide to keeping your silver jewelry looking fresh, fabulous, and tarnish-free — with a special section just for those dainty, thinner rings.
1. Know Your Silver: A Softer, More Sensitive Metal
Sterling silver is beloved for its soft luster and workability — which also makes it vulnerable to scratches, dents, and tarnish over time.
Thinner and more delicate rings especially require extra attention. They can bend or lose shape if worn during everyday tasks like lifting, typing, or carrying heavy bags.
Pro Tip: If your ring flexes when pressed, it's best saved for gentle wear — never gym day!
2. Avoid Moisture: Keep It High, Dry, and Happy
Water, sweat, lotions, and even humid air can cause sterling silver to tarnish faster. To protect your pieces:
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Remove jewelry before washing hands, showering, or swimming.
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Avoid applying perfume, lotion, or hair products while wearing silver.
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Store silver away from bathrooms and steamy places.
Rule of thumb: Last on, first off!
3. Tarnish? Totally Normal — And Totally Fixable
Tarnish is just a surface reaction to air and moisture — not damage. Here’s how to clean it:
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Polishing cloth: Ideal for regular upkeep.
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Mild soap + warm water: For general dirt and dullness.
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Baking soda paste: For deeper tarnish — just mix with water and gently rub.
Avoid: Toothpaste (too abrasive!), harsh cleaner, paper towels or submerging delicate pieces in silver dips.
4. Store It Right: Silver Loves the Dark
Sterling silver should be stored clean, dry, and air-restricted. Here’s how to do it right:
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Keep in anti-tarnish pouches or cloth-lined boxes.
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Separate each piece to avoid scratches.
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Add a silica gel packet to your storage space to control moisture.
Bonus Tip: Never store silver directly on wood - the acids can cause damage.
5. Caring for Delicate and Thin Silver Rings
We get it — those dainty silver bands are too cute to resist. But they need a little more care:
Do:
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Remove before sleep and physical activity
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Clean gently with a soft cloth
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Store flat to avoid bending
Don’t:
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Stack too many tightly (causes rubbing and warping)
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Wear during manual tasks
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Use strong cleaning methods
6. Call the Pros (Sometimes!)
When in doubt, take your silver to a professional jeweller — especially if:
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It’s heavily tarnished or scratched
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Stones are loose
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Rings are bent or misshapen
A professional can restore, reshape, and re-polish your favourite pieces without risk.
If you're not able to access Meg's studio you can bring your treasures to any of her stockists.
7. Make It a Ritual, Not a Chore
Turn silver care into self-care. Once a month, take 10 minutes to:
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Wipe down your silver pieces
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Inspect for scratches or damage
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Rotate your wear (give some pieces a break!)
Set the mood with a good playlist and your favourite tea — silver deserves pampering too!
Final Thoughts: Gentle Love = Long Shine
Sterling silver is one of the most beautiful and expressive materials in your jewelry box. With the right care, it only gets better with age.
So go ahead, stack those rings, wear that necklace, and let your silver shine — responsibly.
📣 Got a Silver Tip, Hack or Question?
Leave a comment or send us a DM on instagram and tag us with your ML treasures- We love seeing your sparkle!
