Remember that although your sterling silver jewellery is of high quality, it is not indestructable. Follow these guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your jewellery.

Activities which might subject a gemstone to sharp blows -such as playing sports- may damage a gemstone. Put jewellery on after you apply hair spray or cosmetics. Chemicals present in either may cause damage to the settings and lustre of your jewels. Never wear your jewellery whilst cleaning or swimming. Wearing your jewellery in the shower will also have detrimental effects on it.

Silver is also more prone to oxidisation, sometimes causing the silver to turn black. This is a process caused by oxygen and sunlight. Your sterling silver jewellery can easily be made to look like new again if you use a silver jewellery cleaner (available from most department stores) or if you have your jewellery cleaned by a local jeweller.

Storage

Protect your jewellery when it is not being worn by separating it from other jewellery using a separate compartment in your jewellery box. When improperly stored, gems and gem quality items can damage each other. Keep it in a dark, cool place to protect it, preferably in air tight packaging to stop oxidisation.

Cleaning

If an item needs cleaning, use a soft polishing cloth, and be careful around any gem settings. If you have to use a cleaner, use a phosphate free detergent. A low abrasive cleaner, such as anti tarnish silver cleaners, are good for removing light tarnish. Do not use toothpaste, as this can cause scratches in your metal.

There are a number of silver jewellery cleaning agents available on the market. Never use anything but a clean 100% cotton or a special sterling silver cleaning cloth or very soft bristle brush, like a babies tooth brush or a horsehair silver brush. Be very gentle when cleaning your jewellery, and always rub your sterling silver jewellery in a lengthwise motion, not a circular one, to avoid scratches.