Cleaning jewelry is easier than many people think — as long as you choose the right method for the right material. Silver tarnishes over time, while gold stays radiant. The gentlest cleaning almost always uses lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Home remedies such as aluminum foil and baking soda can work — but they are not suitable for every piece.
Why does silver tarnish?
925 silver consists of 92.5% fine silver and usually 7.5% copper. This copper content reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, cosmetics, or perspiration — creating a dark layer known as tarnish. This is not a defect but a natural process. At Splendido Jewelry, 925 silver jewelry is rhodium-plated: A fine protective layer of rhodium significantly delays tarnishing and keeps the shine longer.
Cleaning silver: the gentle standard method
For almost all silver pieces, this method is the best — safe and gentle on the material:
- Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Briefly place the jewelry in the solution, then gently rub it with a soft cloth or soft brush.
- Rinse with clean water and immediately pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
A special silver polishing cloth quickly refreshes the shine between cleanings.
Home remedies: aluminum foil, baking soda & salt — what works and what can cause damage
The well-known home remedy involves lining a bowl with aluminum foil, adding hot water, baking soda (and a little salt), and placing the silver inside. A chemical reaction removes the dark layer of tarnish. This works with simple, uncoated sterling silver.
For rhodium-plated silver and jewelry with gemstones or pearls, avoid aluminum foil, baking soda, and salt. The aggressive reaction can damage the rhodium plating as well as soft stones or pearls. Since Splendido Jewelry is rhodium-plated, we recommend the gentle standard method with lukewarm water.
How to clean blackened or tarnished silver
If your silver is already heavily tarnished, start with a silver polishing cloth or the mild water method, allowing a little more time. Rub gently and steadily until the shine returns. Do not use toothpaste or abrasive sponges — they leave fine scratches. For stubborn tarnish on rhodium-plated jewelry, it is best to have the rhodium plating professionally refreshed.
Cleaning gold jewelry
The good news: 585 gold does not tarnish and does not rust. Cleaning is therefore particularly easy — lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft brush, rinse, and pat dry. This will also make fine spaces and settings shine again. Our 585 gold is also nickel-free and therefore well tolerated by the skin.
Jewelry with gemstones & pearls: extra gentle care
Gemstones and especially pearls are delicate. Clean them only with a slightly damp, soft cloth — no soaking, no home remedies, and no ultrasonic cleaners. Pearls are sensitive to both acids and perfume: Always put on pearl jewelry only after applying cosmetics.
Proper storage = prevention
The best cleaning is the cleaning you can avoid. Keep your jewelry beautiful for longer:
- Store it dry and separately, ideally in a pouch or case.
- Remove it before exercising, bathing, and sleeping.
- Put jewelry on only after applying perfume, cream, and hairspray.
- Store silver that is worn infrequently in an airtight container — this slows tarnishing.
With proper care, genuine jewelry will accompany you for a lifetime.
Splendido JewelryEasy-care jewelry from Splendido Jewelry
Beautiful jewelry should bring joy, not create extra work. That is why Splendido Jewelry offers hand-picked, carefully selected pieces made from genuine 585 gold and rhodium-plated 925 silver by Italian goldsmiths — durable and easy to care for. Discover our silver jewelry and our gold jewelry. Find more information about materials in our guides to 925 silver and 585 gold. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns as well as a 30-day return policy.
