Aftercare
Care Guide
Simple habits that keep your silver beautiful for years.
925 sterling silver is a precious metal that responds to how it's worn, stored, and cared for. With these simple habits, your SILIQ pieces will stay beautiful for a lifetime.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction — not a defect. When silver comes in contact with sulphur compounds in the air, sweat, perfume, or certain foods, it forms a dark layer called silver sulphide.
This process is completely normal and reversible. In fact, tarnishing is proof that your silver is real. Our pieces are rhodium-plated to significantly slow this process, but over time, all silver will develop some patina.
Daily Care Habits
Wear It Often
The natural oils in your skin actually help prevent tarnish. The more you wear your silver, the brighter it stays. Don't save it for special occasions.
Put On Last
Make jewellery the last thing you put on. Apply perfume, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, and hairspray first — then add your silver.
Remove Before Water
Take off jewellery before showering, swimming, washing dishes, or exercising. Chlorine, salt water, and sweat accelerate tarnishing.
Wipe After Wearing
Give each piece a quick wipe with a soft microfibre cloth after wearing. This removes oils and moisture that cause tarnish overnight.
Storage
Proper storage prevents 80% of tarnishing. The goal is to limit air exposure.
- •Use the SILIQ pouch — every order includes an anti-tarnish lined pouch. Store each piece separately.
- •Keep pieces apart — silver scratches easily against other metals and gemstones.
- •Avoid humidity — don't store in bathrooms. Keep away from windowsills (heat + sunlight).
- •Add silica gel packets — place one in your jewellery box to absorb moisture.
- •Zip-lock bags work — in a pinch, seal pieces in a zip-lock with air squeezed out.
Cleaning Your Silver
Level 1 — Light Tarnish (weekly)
Use the SILIQ polishing cloth (included with every order). Rub gently in straight strokes — not circular. This removes surface tarnish in seconds and restores shine.
Level 2 — Moderate Tarnish (monthly)
- 01Mix warm water with 2-3 drops of mild dish soap (like Vim liquid)
- 02Soak your piece for 5 minutes
- 03Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush (baby toothbrush works best)
- 04Rinse thoroughly under running water
- 05Pat dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth — never air dry
Level 3 — Heavy Tarnish (as needed)
- 01Line a bowl with aluminium foil (shiny side up)
- 02Add hot water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 03Place your silver piece on the foil — ensure it touches the foil
- 04Wait 2-3 minutes — the tarnish transfers to the foil (electrochemical reaction)
- 05Rinse, dry thoroughly, and polish with the SILIQ cloth
What to Avoid
- ✗Toothpaste — abrasive, scratches the surface permanently
- ✗Bleach or ammonia — damages silver irreversibly
- ✗Paper towels — contain fibres that scratch silver
- ✗Ultrasonic cleaners — can loosen stone settings
- ✗Rubber bands — rubber contains sulphur which causes instant tarnish
- ✗Swimming pools & hot tubs — chlorine is silver's worst enemy
- ✗Sleeping in jewellery — chains can kink, rings can bend under pressure
Special Care Notes
Rings
Remove before washing hands, applying hand cream, or doing housework. Store flat to prevent bending.
Chains & Necklaces
Clasp closed before storing to prevent tangling. Hang if possible, or lay flat — never ball up.
Earrings
Wipe posts with rubbing alcohol occasionally for hygiene. Store in pairs to avoid losing one.
Bracelets & Anklets
Open clasps gently — don't force. Remove before sleeping to prevent kinking.
Need Help With Your Piece?
If your piece has heavy tarnish, scratches, or damage that home cleaning can't fix — reach out. We're happy to advise.