Let's address the elephant in the room: yes, sterling silver tarnishes. It's not a defect — it's chemistry. When silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, it forms a dark layer called silver sulphide. But with proper care, your pieces will maintain their brilliance for decades.
Daily Care Habits
- •Put jewellery on last — after perfume, lotion, and hairspray
- •Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising
- •Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and moisture
- •The more you wear silver, the less it tarnishes (your skin's natural oils actually help)
Cleaning Methods
Method 1: Gentle Polish (Weekly)
Use a microfibre cloth or dedicated silver polishing cloth. Rub gently in straight lines (not circles) to avoid micro-scratches. This handles light tarnish and restores shine in seconds.
Method 2: Soap & Water (Monthly)
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Soak your jewellery for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry completely — moisture left behind accelerates tarnishing.
Method 3: Baking Soda Paste (For Heavy Tarnish)
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste. Apply with a soft cloth, rub gently, rinse, and dry. This is effective for pieces that haven't been worn in months.
Storage Tips
- •Store each piece separately to prevent scratching
- •Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your jewellery box
- •Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- •Zip-lock bags work surprisingly well — squeeze out the air before sealing
- •Never store silver in the bathroom (humidity accelerates tarnish)
What About Rhodium-Plated Silver?
All SILIQ pieces come with rhodium plating — a thin layer of rhodium (a platinum-group metal) that prevents tarnishing and adds extra shine. This plating lasts 1-3 years with regular wear. When it eventually wears off, you can get pieces re-plated at any jeweller for ₹200-500.
