Jewellery Care & Cleaning: How to Clean Sterling Silver & Avoid Tarnish

Keep your Magpie Gems pieces sparkling for years. This jewellery care guide covers exactly how to clean sterling silver safely, prevent tarnish, store your jewellery like a pro, and care for gold-plated and rosegold-plated finishes. All our designs are crafted from nickel-free 925 sterling silver, with optional 24k gold or 18k rosegold plating.

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How to Clean Sterling Silver (Safe At-Home Method)

  1. Polish first: Gently rub the piece with a soft polishing cloth to lift surface tarnish.
  2. Wash if needed: Briefly clean in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap. Avoid soaking.
  3. Rinse & dry: Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry with a lint-free cloth.
  4. Detail clean: Use a soft brush (dry) to reach chains and settings—no abrasives.
  5. Store airtight: Pop into an anti-tarnish pouch or your Magpie Gems box with a strip.
Good to know: Regular wear actually helps slow tarnish because gentle friction keeps silver brighter.
Avoid: Toothpaste, baking soda pastes, chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners (on plated or crystal pieces).

How to Prevent Tarnish

  • Keep it dry: Remove before showering, swimming or workouts.
  • Last on, first off: Jewellery goes on after skincare, perfume and hairspray—and comes off before bed.
  • Store smart: Use airtight pouches/boxes with anti-tarnish strips; keep pieces separate to avoid scratches.
  • Wipe after wear: A quick cloth wipe removes skin oils that speed oxidation.
  • Avoid chemicals: Household cleaners and chlorine are no-go zones.

Storage Tips

  • Use your Magpie Gems signature gift box or a soft pouch in a cool, dry place.
  • Separate chains and pendants; close clasps to prevent tangles.
  • Add an anti-tarnish tab to each box for longer-lasting shine.
  • Travelling? Pack pieces individually in microfibre pouches.

Care for Gold-Plated & Rosegold-Plated Jewellery

  • Gentle only: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth—no silver dips or chemical cleaners.
  • Minimise friction: Avoid abrasion from zips, gym gear or stacking that rubs.
  • Remove for activities: Take off during sport, housework or swimming.

Explore: Gold-Plated · Rosegold-Plated

Care for Austrian Crystals

  • Handle with care; avoid knocks to prevent chipping.
  • Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
  • Avoid soaking and ultrasonic cleaners.

Shine on, beautifully. Keep a polishing cloth handy and store pieces the smart way for lasting brilliance.

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Jewellery Care FAQ

How do I clean sterling silver at home?

Start with a soft polishing cloth. If needed, wash briefly in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse, dry thoroughly, then store airtight.

How can I stop my silver from tarnishing?

Keep it dry, store with anti-tarnish strips, wipe after each wear and avoid contact with chemicals, lotions and perfume.

Can I use silver dip on plated jewellery?

No. Avoid chemical dips or abrasive cleaners on gold-plated or rosegold-plated pieces—use a soft cloth only.

Are Magpie Gems pieces nickel-free?

Yes—our sterling silver is nickel-free and ethically sourced in Europe.

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