How to Clean and Care for S925 Sterling Silver & Natural Pearls

The secret to making your jewelry last a lifetime is in how you treat it.

At Sterling Arc Jewelry, we craft our pieces using premium S925 sterling silver and natural freshwater pearls. These beautiful, organic materials are designed to be worn and loved daily, but they do require a little bit of mindful maintenance to keep their signature glow. Whether you just unboxed our Everyday Elegance Minimalist Pearl Earrings or you are looking to refresh an older favorite, here is your ultimate guide to fine jewelry care.

How to Care for S925 Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a precious metal that reacts to its environment. Over time, exposure to the air, moisture, and everyday chemicals can cause it to naturally oxidize (tarnish).

• Wear It Often: The natural oils in your skin actually help keep sterling silver shining! The more you wear your silver, the less it will tarnish.

• Keep It Dry: Remove your silver rings and necklaces before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Chlorine and saltwater are particularly harsh on precious metals.

• The Polishing Routine: When your silver starts to look a little dull, gently rub it with a specialized microfiber jewelry polishing cloth. Avoid using harsh chemical dips or paper towels, which can leave micro-scratches on your high-polish finishes.

How to Care for Natural Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones, meaning they are much softer and more porous than diamonds or crystals. They thrive on moisture but hate chemicals.

• The "Last On, First Off" Rule: Pearls should be the very last thing you put on when getting dressed (after perfume, hairspray, and lotion have dried) and the very first thing you take off when you get home.

• Gentle Cleaning: Never use ultrasonic cleaners or silver polish on your pearls. Simply wipe them down with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing them to remove any body oils or perfumes.

• Proper Storage: Store your pearl pieces flat in a soft pouch, away from harder gemstones that might scratch their delicate, softly glowing surface.