How to Care for Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling silver is one of the most beautiful metals in jewellery — but it does require a little care to keep it looking its best. The good news? With a few simple habits, your silver earrings can stay bright and tarnish-free for years.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically made up of copper. This copper content is what gives silver its strength — but it also makes it susceptible to tarnishing. Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, on skin, or in products like perfume and hairspray. The result is a dull, yellowish or blackened surface.

The good news: tarnish is entirely reversible, and with the right habits, largely preventable.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings

For regular upkeep, a gentle clean is all you need:

• Soft cloth: Use a lint-free or microfibre cloth to buff away light tarnish and restore shine. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch.
• Mild soap and water: For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water. Gently clean with a soft cloth or brush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry immediately.
• Silver polishing cloth: These are treated with a gentle cleaning agent and are ideal for restoring lustre without chemicals.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, bleach, or abrasive materials — these can damage the surface or any stones set in the earring.

How to Store Silver Earrings

Storage makes a significant difference to how quickly silver tarnishes:

• Store in an airtight bag or jewellery box lined with anti-tarnish fabric
• Keep pieces separate to avoid scratching
• Add a small anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box to absorb sulphur in the air
• Avoid storing in bathrooms, where humidity accelerates tarnishing

Everyday Habits That Help

A few small changes to your routine can dramatically extend the life of your silver earrings:

• Put earrings on after applying perfume, hairspray, and skincare
• Remove earrings before swimming, showering, or exercising
• Wipe earrings with a soft cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and residue

Shop Our Sterling Silver Collection

Our 925 Sterling Silver Collection is crafted to the highest standard — designed to be worn daily and loved for years. Browse our silver earrings and find your next favourite pair.