Keep silver silver.

Sterling silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air — that is what turns it dull or yellowish over time. It is a chemical process, not a defect, and every piece of real silver will tarnish eventually.

The good news: tarnish is always reversible. A few minutes of care brings your piece back to its original finish.

The natural oils in your skin are a gentle polish. Pieces you wear often actually tarnish more slowly than pieces left in a drawer.

Remove silver before swimming (chlorine accelerates tarnish), before applying perfume, hairspray, or lotions (the chemicals pit the surface), and before doing dishes or cleaning with chemicals.

For light tarnish: warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing.

For stubborn tarnish: baking soda paste (baking soda + water to a thick consistency), gently rubbed on with a soft cloth, then rinsed and dried. Do not use baking soda on pieces with stones — it can scratch softer gems.

Never use toothpaste (too abrasive), bleach, or ultrasonic cleaners on pieces with porous stones like turquoise or pearls.

Each piece ships in a small anti-tarnish zip bag — keep it in there when you are not wearing it. Anti-tarnish strips (available at pharmacies) inside a jewellery box also help.

Store pieces individually so they do not scratch each other. Chains in particular should be stored laid flat or hung — not coiled in a knot.

A cool, dry place is best. Humidity accelerates tarnish significantly.