Article: How to care for your silver jewellery on a daily basis?
How to care for your silver jewellery on a daily basis?
To preserve the brightness of solid silver, wipe your jewel after each wear, avoid perfume, chlorine, and household products, then store it away from air and humidity. These simple habits limit oxidation while allowing the patina to evolve with elegance.
Solid silver: a metal that lives with you
Solid silver isn't some inert metal you tuck away in a drawer and forget about. It's a living metal that reacts to the air, your skin, and your daily life.
Why do we talk about "living money"?
Technical note: Silver is a mineral-based metal and is not, in the strict biological sense, a living organism. However, it is described as “living” in traditional jewellery terminology to reflect its constant reactivity: it oxidizes and develops a patina upon contact with air, skin, moisture, and sulfur-containing products, evolving in a unique way for each piece and each wearer. This evolution is the signature of a pure metal that interacts with its environment. Regular polishing allows you to restore its luster as often as you like.
This term is commonly used in the jewellery trade to describe the "moods" of metal, particularly the fire spots that appear when it is heated with a flame. It should not be confused with the historical term "vif-argent," which referred to mercury in early chemistry.
Why do we speak of "living silver"?
Technical note: silver is a metal of mineral origin and is not, in the strict biological sense, a living being. However, it is described as "living" in traditional jewellery vocabulary to convey its constant reactivity: it oxidises and develops a patina on contact with air, skin, humidity, and sulphur compounds, evolving in a unique way for each piece and each wearer. This evolution is the signature of a pure metal that dialogues with its environment. Regular polishing brings back its original shine as often as desired.
This expression is well established in jewellery craftsmanship, where artisans speak of the "moods" of the metal, particularly the fire stains that appear during flame heating. It should not be confused with the historical expression "quicksilver" (vif-argent), which referred to mercury in early chemistry.
Unlike plated jewellery, which eventually wears out and loses its finish, solid silver develops a patina. This natural patina (the slight tarnish that appears over time) is the signature of authentic jewellery, proof that it has lived.
In reality, solid silver does not oxidize; as mentioned above, it develops a patina. This is a natural chemical reaction: the metal reacts with the sulfur present in the air, on your skin, and in the environment. This is what creates the dark colour that is sometimes called "tarnishing" or, colloquially, "oxidation."
Understanding what is happening
In reality, silver does not oxidize, as mentioned above, it develops a patina. This is a natural chemical reaction: the metal reacts to the sulfur present in the air, on your skin, and in the environment. This is what creates the dark color that is sometimes called "tarnishing" or commonly referred to as "oxidation."
At Honu, I believe that handmade jewellery should live against your skin and with you.
Its chemical reaction (i.e., patina) is part of this shared life. But it can be controlled and slowed down according to your preferences.
The actions that make a difference
Wipe your jewellery after each day
The simplest action is also the most effective. At the end of the day, take thirty seconds to wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth (microfiber or cotton).
The air accelerates "oxidation." When you're not wearing your jewellery, keep it in a safe place:
- A soft fabric pouch (such as the one included with every Honu piece of jewellery)
- A velvet-lined jewellery box
- A pouch with an anti-tarnish tablet for extended periods of non-use
Store it carefully
Ambient air accelerates "oxidation." When you're not wearing your jewellery, give it a place that protects it:
- A soft fabric pouch (such as the case provided with each piece of Honu jewellery)
- A velvet-lined jewellery box
- A bag with an anti-oxidation tablet for long periods of absence
And above all: never store several pieces of jewellery together without protection. Silver is a soft metal. It scratches when it comes into contact with other pieces, stones, and clasps.
Ultimately, it's a form of respect. You are telling each piece of jewellery: you have your place, you are important.
Jewellery is put on last and taken off first
Perfume, cream, hairspray, makeup—all these products contain substances that can cause a chemical reaction with silver. Alcohol, acids, and corrosive agents.
The rule is simple: get completely ready, wait until everything is dry, and only then put on your jewellery. And in the evening, it's the opposite: jewellery comes off first, before showering, before removing makeup.
This is also a way of giving it a place of honor in your routine. The last thing you do before going out, the first thing you do when you come home.
Wear it regularly
It's counterintuitive, but it's true: jewellery that is worn develops a patina less quickly than jewellery that is forgotten in a drawer.
Contact with your skin creates a slight natural polish. Your body's oils maintain the metal. Jewellery that lives with you stays more beautiful than jewellery that waits in the shadows.
If you have several pieces of silver jewellery, rotate them. Don't let any of them go too long without being worn or loved.
Deep cleaning from time to time
For regular maintenance, a specially impregnated cloth (silver cleaning cloth, available at jewellery stores) is your best ally. A few seconds are all it takes to restore your jewellery's shine.
For a more thorough cleaning, about once a month:
- Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water
- Gently wipe the entire surface of the jewellery
- Dry immediately and thoroughly with a dry cloth
- Finish with a chamois cloth to make it shine
Caution: if your jewellery features a Tahitian pearl, never immerse it in a special metal cleaning product and avoid using any product. Consult our Tahitian pearl care guide for specific precautions.
If your jewellery has tarnished
Don't panic. This silver patina is completely reversible. This is the big difference with plated jewellery: worn plated jewellery is lost. It will need to be stripped and replated by a jewellery specialist.
Solid silver jewellery that has tarnished can always be restored to its original shine because its structure itself is not altered.
A piece of solid silver jewellery, if well cared for, can be passed down through generations. It is the metal of family heirlooms, of pieces we pass on, and of memories we cherish.
That’s why, at Honu, all my jewellery is made of solid silver. It’s an investment in longevity and quality.
Solid silver: a choice for life
That's why at Honu, all my jewellery is made of 925 sterling silver. An investment in durability and quality.
A piece of jewellery is a companion that you take care of.
Discover our solid silver creations:
See also: How to care for your Tahitian pearl — if your jewellery features a pearl, you'll find this guide invaluable.
Can you clean silver with toothpaste or baking soda?
I don’t recommend it. Toothpaste contains abrasive agents that can scratch the surface of silver, especially on polished finishes. Baking soda can leave residue in crevices and textures, accelerating tarnishing. For handcrafted jewels with intricate finishes, opt for a dampened chamois cloth—it’s the safest and most effective method.
Does the acidity of my skin cause silver to tarnish faster?
Yes, the skin’s natural acidity varies from person to person and can accelerate tarnishing. If you notice that your jewellery is tarnishing quickly, be sure to wipe it down after every time you wear it and store it in an anti-tarnish pouch. It’s simply a matter of adjusting your routine to suit your skin.
How do I care for silver jewellery with a pearl?
Pearls are delicate organic gems that require special care. Never submerge the entire piece of jewellery in a cleaning solution. Clean the silver parts with a slightly damp cloth, taking care to avoid the pearl. For the pearl itself, simply wiping it with a dry cloth is sufficient.
