I've always loved the look of silver jewelry. It's classic, versatile, and can really elevate an outfit. But, like many, I've struggled with figuring out how to choose good quality pieces that will last and not tarnish easily. I've spent a lot of time researching and experimenting, and I want to share what I've learned so you can avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.
Early on, I bought a few pieces that I thought were sterling silver, only to find them quickly turning dull and even green. It was frustrating! I started questioning everything I thought I knew about silver jewelry. I wondered if I was cleaning it wrong, or if the pieces were even real silver in the first place. One particular pair of earrings seemed off, the color was a bit strange, and they tarnished incredibly fast. That's when I decided to dive deep into learning how to identify genuine sterling silver and how to care for it properly.
One of the first things I learned is that sterling silver should polish up nicely. If it doesn't, that's a red flag. I also discovered a neat trick: check for a "925" stamp. This indicates that the piece is 92.5% silver, which is the standard for sterling silver. However, just because it's stamped doesn't guarantee it's solid sterling. Some jewelry is marked 925 but is actually just plated.
To help me distinguish real sterling from plated, I got a jewelry magnet. Sterling silver won't attract a magnet, but plated silver often will, because the base metal underneath the plating is usually magnetic. This simple test has saved me from making several regrettable purchases.
I also explored different types of silver jewelry, including beautiful bracelets with natural stone beads. I was particularly drawn to a Selling 6mm/8mm/10mm Charm Bracelet With Natural Stone Beads Purple Amethysts Beaded Bracelet from Blingcharming. I liked the idea of combining the elegance of silver with the natural beauty of amethyst. I eventually chose a bracelet with rose quartz beads, and I absolutely love it. The quality is excellent, and it adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
It’s become one of my go-to pieces.
One thing I learned the hard way is that sterling silver will always tarnish over time. It's a natural process caused by exposure to air, sunlight, moisture, and chemicals from things like hair products, moisturizers, and sunblock. I used to think an ultrasonic cleaner would solve all my problems, but I discovered that it doesn't remove tarnish at all!
Real silver doesn’t "permanently tarnish." It may tarnish more quickly if you wear it in the shower, pool, or while doing dishes. However, the good news is that you can easily clean it when that happens. I've found that regular cleaning is key to keeping my silver jewelry looking its best.
I've experimented with a few different cleaning methods, and here are my favorites:
While you can't completely prevent tarnish, there are things you can do to slow it down: