Sterling Silver Care Guide

A Little Care for Your Treasured Pieces

At Queen of Jackals, we believe jewelry should be treasured for years to come. Our sterling silver pieces are designed to be worn, loved, and kept close. With a little care and attention, you can preserve their beauty and keep them looking their best.

Sterling silver is a precious metal that naturally develops tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. This is a normal characteristic of silver and is not a sign of poor quality. Fortunately, proper care can help slow tarnishing and restore your jewelry's natural brilliance.

Everyday Care

To keep your sterling silver jewelry in beautiful condition, we recommend the following:

Put your jewelry on last. Apply perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cosmetics before putting on your jewelry. Allow these products to dry completely before wearing your pieces.
Remove jewelry before bathing. Avoid wearing sterling silver while showering, swimming, exercising, or engaging in activities that expose it to excessive moisture, sweat, or chemicals.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Keep your jewelry away from household cleaners, bleach, chlorine, and other abrasive or corrosive substances.
Handle with care. Avoid pulling, bending, or placing unnecessary pressure on delicate chains, settings, and intricate details.
Wipe after wearing. Gently wipe your jewelry with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils, moisture, and everyday residue.

How to Store Your Jewelry

Proper storage is one of the simplest ways to protect sterling silver from tarnishing.

Store each piece in a dry, cool place, preferably in a jewelry box or individual pouch.
Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight, humidity, and sources of heat.
Store pieces separately to prevent scratches, tangling, and damage from contact with other jewelry.
Consider using an anti-tarnish pouch or strip for additional protection.

Avoid leaving sterling silver exposed on bathroom counters or in other humid environments.

How to Clean Sterling Silver

For routine cleaning, gently polish your jewelry with a soft, dry silver polishing cloth. Use light, gentle strokes rather than rubbing aggressively.

If your jewelry needs a more thorough cleaning, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild, gentle soap, provided the piece contains no delicate stones or materials that could be damaged by water. Rinse carefully and dry completely with a soft cloth.

Important: Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, rough cloths, and harsh chemical dips. These can scratch silver or damage certain finishes and decorative elements.

If your piece features gemstones, pearls, mother-of-pearl, or other delicate materials, take extra care when cleaning. Some stones and decorative materials can be damaged by chemicals, prolonged soaking, or ultrasonic cleaners. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler.

Caring for Gemstones and Decorative Details

Some Queen of Jackals pieces feature gemstones and other distinctive materials that require additional attention.

Onyx and other gemstones: Avoid harsh chemicals, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaning unless a jeweler confirms it is safe for the specific stone and setting.
Mother-of-pearl: Keep away from acidic substances, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged exposure to water. Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
Intricate settings and delicate details: Avoid scrubbing around stone settings, as excessive pressure can loosen stones or damage fine details.

Always consider the needs of the most delicate material when caring for a piece of jewelry.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is typically made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Although silver is a precious metal, it can react with substances in the surrounding environment, causing its surface to darken over time.

Humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, perfumes, and exposure to certain chemicals can contribute to tarnishing. The rate at which jewelry tarnishes varies depending on storage conditions, environment, and how frequently it is worn.

Tarnishing is a natural process and can often be reduced or removed with proper care.

A Final Note

Your Queen of Jackals jewelry is meant to be enjoyed. Treat each piece with care, store it thoughtfully, and give it an occasional gentle polish to help preserve its beauty.

Thank you for welcoming Queen of Jackals into your collection. May your treasured pieces accompany you through many beautiful, mysterious, and unforgettable moments.

With love,
Queen of Jackals