Sterling silver is a precious metal that ages (we think more beautifully) with time. The more you wear a dalga piece that suites you the less likely you are to take it off. We think the armor you choose to wear should keep up with every day moments and a wide range of lifestyles. dalga silver pieces are designed with 925 sterling silver for versatile boldness and wearability.
Through time your piece will develop a patina, or a soft lived-in sheen that adds character and depth. The beauty is with proper care, your silver will stay bright longer and maintain its value and longevity. This guide covers exactly how to maintain your sterling silver jewelry, prevent tarnish, and ensure your piece can be worn for years to come.
Why Sterling Silver Needs Care
Sterling silver is made of ~92.5% pure silver blended with a small amount of alloy (usually copper) for strength. Silver naturally reacts to oxygen, humidity, and sulfur in the air causing tarnish, or a darkening of the surface. Tarnish is completely normal and harmless and can always be polished away. Be wary of any silver dealers out there claiming their sterling silver pieces are ‘tarnish free’. No pure sterling silver is tarnish free and no experienced silver dealer will tell you otherwise.
With a little attention and proper care you can enjoy your pieces for years to come. Here are some simple tips:
Wear Silver Often
The beauty of silver is that it loves to be worn. We truly believe silver ages like a fine wine, the more you wear it the deeper the character. As you wear silver jewelry the natural oils from your skin actually slow down tarnishing. Pieces you wear often stay brighter than those left in a drawer. Wearing your jewelry regularly is one of the best ways to care for it.
Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals
Silver can degrade faster when coming in contact with everyday products. Avoid exposing your jewelry to:
- chlorine from pools
- sulfur
- perfume and cologne
- hairspray and dry shampoo
- household cleaners
- sweat left unwashed
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your jewelry often is key to increasing its longevity. The following is a simple procedure that takes less than a minute:
For light tarnish:
- use a soft anti-tarnish polishing cloth.
- rub gently in straight strokes (not circles).
- avoid polishing intentionally oxidized or textured areas unless you want them brightened.
For heavier tarnish:
- apply a small amount of non-abrasive silver polish with a soft cloth.
- rub gently until the tarnish lifts.
- rinse with warm water.
- dry completely with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive scrubs as they can scratch surfaces.
Store Properly
Silver jewelry tarnishes fastest when exposed to air, humidity, and chemicals. Proper storage slows this down considerably. When not wearing a piece be sure to:
- keep away from direct sunlight.
- store in a sealed jewelry box or pouch. Each dalga piece comes with a premium leather holder.
- keep each piece separate to avoid scratches.
- store away from moisture (steam accelerates tarnishing).
If storing for a long period of time you can consider placing a small silica gel packet with it to absorb any moisture.
Keep From Prolonged Moisture
Exposure to water itself is not harmful but prolonged moisture can accelerate tarnish. Generally you can wear your jewelry in the water or sweaty provided its rinsed with fresh water and dried thoroughly afterwards. Favor taking off jewelry prior to extended or strenuous activities and swimming in chlorine pools.
If a piece gets wet, pat and dry thoroughly. Never store when damp.
Remove Prior to Strenuous Activity
Always use your judgement when wearing your jewelry during activity as it can be prone to scratches or other damage. Artisanal silver can dent or scratch with force. Consider removing pieces prior to:
- high-impact workouts and/or weightlifting
- swimming in chlorine pools
- moving heavy objects
- using heavy machinery
- construction
- gardening
By following these simple guidelines you will continue to turn heads when sporting your sterling silver armor. Searching for the perfect piece? You can shop our silver collection here.
