At La Parure Jewellery, we believe that every piece of jewellery tells a story. The cool, elegant lustre of 925 sterling silver makes it a timeless favourite and the cornerstone of many cherished collections.
Sterling silver is treasured for its beauty and versatility, but as with all precious materials, it requires a little love to maintain its brilliant shine. The good news? Caring for your silver is simple.
Many people worry when they see tarnish, but it's important to know that this is a natural, chemical reaction, not a flaw or a sign of poor quality. Sterling Silver 925 is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver. The other 7.5% (usually copper) adds strength, but it's also what reacts with elements in the air and moisture (like oxygen and Sulphur) to cause treading.
Follow our expert guide to ensure your La Parure pieces remain as captivating as the day you received them.
1. The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off
This is the easiest and most effective habit to adopt.
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Last On: Put your jewellery on after you have applied all your cosmetics. This includes perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup, which contain chemicals that can accelerate tarnishing.
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First Off: Take your jewellery off before you do anything that could expose it to harsh conditions. This means removing it before bed, showering, swimming, or doing household chores.
2. Avoid Moisture & Chemicals
Your silver's greatest enemies are moisture and chemicals.
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Water: While a quick wash isn't the end of the world, it's best to keep your silver dry. Never wear your jewellery in a swimming pool—the chlorine is extremely damaging.
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Sweat: Remove your jewellery before heading to the gym or doing any strenuous activity. The salt in your sweat can be corrosive.
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Household Cleaners: Bleach and other cleaning agents will cause silver to tarnish instantly and can cause permanent damage.
3. The Art of Cleaning
Even with perfect care, your silver will eventually need a polish.
For Routine Polishing:
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The Polishing Cloth: The simplest method is to use a high-quality, two-layer silver polishing cloth. These are specially treated—one side to remove tarnish and the other to buff and shine. Gently rub the piece with the inner cloth and buff with the outer cloth. This is ideal for light touch-ups.
For a Deeper Clean (Tarnish Removal):
If your piece has significant tarnish or needs to get into small crevices, a gentle bath is best.
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Prepare: Get a bowl of warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free dish soap.
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Soak & Scrub: Let the piece soak for a few minutes. Then, use a very soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush is perfect) to gently scrub any nooks and crannies.
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Rinse: Rinse the piece thoroughly under clean, lukewarm water.
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DRY COMPLETELY: This is the most important step. Use a soft, lint-free cloth (like microfiber) to dry the jewellery. Any moisture left behind will restart the tarnishing process.
A Note on Gemstones: If your silver piece features pearls or porous stones (like opal or turquoise), do not submerge it. Instead, dip a cotton swab in the soapy water and clean the silver around the stone, being careful not to wet it.
4. Smart Storage: The Final Defence
How you store your jewellery is just as important as how you wear it. Remember, tarnish is caused by exposure to air and moisture.
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Go Airtight: The best way to prevent tarnish is to store your silver in an airtight container. A small, resealable plastic bag or an anti-tarnish pouch is perfect.
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Store Separately: To prevent scratching, keep each piece in its own bag or in a lined jewellery box with separate compartments. Your original La Parure box is a wonderful place to keep your piece safe.
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Keep it Cool & Dry: Store your jewellery box in a cool, dark, and dry place—not the bathroom!
A Lifetime of Brilliance
Your 925 sterling silver jewellery is made to last a lifetime. With these simple steps, you ensure that its story continues to shine brightly, becoming a cherished part of your everyday elegance.
Explore our latest Sterling Silver 925 Collection and find your next timeless piece.
With brilliance,
The La Parure Team
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