Care Guide

Why Sterling Silver Tarnishes

925 sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The copper gives it strength for daily wear, but also makes it reactive to sulphur compounds in the air. This reaction creates a thin dark layer called tarnish. Tarnish is completely natural and non-destructive — it can always be reversed.

The Best Thing You Can Do: Wear It

Silver that is worn regularly tarnishes less. The natural oils from your skin and the gentle friction of daily movement act as a continuous polish, keeping the metal bright. Tiffany & Co. themselves recommend wearing your silver every day as the single best form of care.

Put Your Jewellery On Last, Take It Off First

Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup before putting on your silver. These products contain chemicals that accelerate tarnishing. Make your jewellery the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you remove at night.

What to Avoid

Remove your silver before:

Swimming (chlorine and salt water cause corrosion), showering (soaps and hot water accelerate tarnish), exercising (sweat contains salts that react with silver), household cleaning (bleach, ammonia, and cleaning agents damage the surface).

Keep silver away from:

Rubber and latex (contain sulphur, which causes rapid tarnishing), direct prolonged sunlight (can cause surface discolouration), eggs, mustard, onions, and mayonnaise (high in sulphur).

How to Clean

For light tarnish: Use a silver polishing cloth (included with your Muja piece) and gently rub in long, straight back-and-forth motions — not circles. Change to a fresh section of the cloth frequently to avoid redepositing tarnish.

For heavier tarnish: Soak the piece in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap (phosphate-free) for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush for textured areas. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water and dry completely with a soft lint-free cloth.

For stubborn tarnish: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply with a soft cloth, gently rub, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately.

Never use: Bleach, ammonia, alcohol-based cleaners, abrasive pads, or silver dip solutions on detailed or stamped pieces — these can strip intentional textures and oxidised finishes.

How to Store

Store each piece separately in the Muja pouch provided or in an airtight bag. This limits exposure to air and moisture — the two main causes of tarnish. If you have a jewellery box, adding an anti-tarnish strip or a small piece of chalk inside will absorb moisture and slow tarnishing. Keep your storage area cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.

Fingerprint and Pet Print Keepsakes

Your keepsake features a detailed impression pressed into the silver surface. Clean gently around the impression using a polishing cloth on the raised areas. For the recessed print detail, use a soft-bristled brush with light pressure to lift away any residue without flattening the impression. The print is permanently set in the metal and will not wear away through normal use.

Need Help?

If your piece needs more attention than home care can provide, get in touch. Contact us at muja.jewellery@gmail.com or message us on WhatsApp — we are happy to help.