How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery at Home

Start with the material and finish, not just the colour of your jewellery. Plain sterling silver, gold-plated silver and gemstone-set pieces need different care. Check the product's specifications before choosing a cleaning method.

Plain, unplated sterling silver

For light dirt on a piece without stones or an intentional oxidised finish, use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Rinse carefully in a bowl and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing.

A cloth made for sterling silver can help with tarnish on suitable plain silver surfaces. Follow its instructions and keep it away from stones, plating and deliberately darkened details. If the finish is uncertain or tarnish persists, ask a jeweller before polishing further.

Gold-plated silver

Use a soft, untreated cloth with a light touch. Do not use a treated silver-polishing cloth or abrasive paste on gold plating. Avoid repeated rubbing of the same area. Cleaning cannot replace plating that has worn away; contact us for advice about the specific piece.

Gemstones, pearls and delicate finishes

Do not assume that every stone can be soaked or cleaned in the same way. Treatments, settings and stringing also matter. For routine care, gently wipe the piece with a soft cloth. Pearls need particularly gentle handling and must be kept away from acids and harsh chemicals.

For a deeper clean, ask us or a qualified jeweller for instructions matched to the stone and setting. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner unless a jeweller has confirmed that the whole piece is suitable.

Household methods to avoid

We do not recommend vinegar baths, baking-soda pastes, toothpaste, bleach or household cleaning sprays for Golden Horn jewellery. These are not suitable general-purpose methods for a collection that includes plated finishes and delicate stones.

Everyday care and storage

• Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, exercise and household cleaning.
• Let perfume and lotions dry before putting jewellery on.
• Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined compartment to reduce rubbing and scratches.
• Let cleaned pieces dry completely before storing. Keep jewellery away from heat and damp bathrooms.

Does tarnishing mean silver is damaged?

Tarnish is a surface reaction that can occur on sterling silver, particularly with exposure to sulphur-containing substances. It does not, by itself, prove whether a piece is genuine silver. Use the stated material and suitable care instructions rather than a home chemical test.

Need help with a Golden Horn piece?

Read our Care & Repair information or contact us with the product name and a photograph. If a stone is loose or a setting is damaged, stop wearing the piece until it has been checked.

Further reading: GIA jewellery care and GIA pearl care.