Sterling silver is a mixture of silver and other metal. Silver by itself is too soft. Copper is the most common alloy because it adds strength without compromising the color. In the United States, sterling silver must contain no less than 92.5% pure silver to be called silver. Sterling silver may be marked as ster, sterling, sterling silver, or .925.

Wearing sterling silver

Air, humidity, and sunshine can all tarnish sterling silver. Body oils can actually protect sterling silver and lessen how often you must clean and shine it. On the other hand, cosmetics, perfume, and hair spray can damage it. Try not to apply these products to areas where you will be wearing your jewelry. If this is unavoidable, spray the product onto your body and do not wear the jewelry until it is completely dry.

Other pollutants can tarnish your silver. Be sure to remove your jewelry when cooking, cleaning, swimming, or taking a shower.

Storage

Sterling silver can oxidize quickly, first turning gold and eventually black. It is best to keep sterling silver jewelry in a soft, non-tarnishing pouch when you are not wearing them. Keep sterling silver pieces separate and lay each piece of jewelry flat - you do not want pieces rubbing against each other, nor do you want a piece rubbing on itself.

If possible, keep sterling silver in an airtight non-tarnishing cloth, or first wrap the jewelry in the cloth and then place it in an airtight bag or container. Be sure that these bags or containers contain no sulfur or polyvinyl, as these chemicals can make them tarnish.

Do not lay sterling silver directly on wood. Wood - particularly oak - contains acids which can tarnish your jewelry.

Cleaning

It is best to clean sterling silver at the first sign of oxidation. Use a 100% cotton or flannel cloth. The fabric should be smooth with tiny fibers. For intricate designs, a soft brush can be used, such as a baby toothbrush. If needed, use a can of compressed air to blow away fine particles because these can scratch the metal while you are cleaning it.

For light cleaning, use a specifically designed sterling silver cleaner. Avoid home remedies such as liquid detergents and toothpaste, which may be too abrasive and have perfumes, bleaches or other chemicals that may damage your fashion jewelry. Be aware that many of these cleaners may be only for sterling silver. Keep this in mind if there are gemstones on your jewelry. Additionally, most buffing cloths are meant for buffing the metal and are not to be used on any gemstones, unless otherwise stated.

For deep cleaning, stronger paste and dip solutions are available. Pastes are great for cleaning and to shine jewelry but should not be used on pieces with gemstones. Dipping solutions may be used to soak jewelry for more deeply set dirt.

Never clean in a circular motion, as this can cause scratches. Rub up and down the length of the piece. Remember that you are removing the tarnish as well as a thin layer of the metal. This is why well-made, full sterling silver pieces are much better than sterling silver-plated ones.

Be sure to remove all of the polish or cleaner from the sterling silver, then rinse with cold water and dry. With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry should last for several generations.