How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry & Jewellery | Catastrophy’s Care Guide
Flaunt it
That’s right. Wearing your silver jewellery regularly can actually help keep it looking new. The natural oils from your skin act as a gentle polish, which keeps your silver bright and beautiful.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Much like our feline friends, silver LOVES to chill out.
On the rare occasion you’re not wearing your jewellery, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps to avoid tarnishing and keep your pieces sparkling.
For added protection, wrap your jewellery in our sustainable Catastrophy pouch - perfect for preventing scratches and tangles.
Avoid Perfumes, Lotions, Chemicals
Did you know a lot of everyday products can cause your sterling silver to tarnish and corrode? Perfumes, lotions, and hairspray are among the biggest culprits we’re afraid to report.
Our top tip is to make jewellery the final touch when getting ready - trust us, it's a game changer.
We also suggest keeping your silver away from:
- Household cleaning products containing chemicals
- Chlorinated water
- Rubber
- Substances containing sulphur (like wool, latex, eggs, mustard)
Remove Before Workout
Remember to give your jewellery a break before you nail your next workout.
Sweat can be a silver killer, causing it to tarnish faster, and those intense gym sessions could spell trouble for delicate pieces…earrings + burpees, need we say more!
Store your jewellery safely before fitness sessions and you’ll keep it looking fabulous.
Use a Silver Polishing Cloth
Our exclusive Catastrophy polishing cloth is designed to keep jewellery pieces at their best, without leaving any scratches.
Simply rub your jewellery gently with the cloth to restore its shine. An effortless way to maintain that just-bought gleam and keep your treasures looking flawless.
Keep in mind that our jewellery has an oxidised finish, which means it’s deliberately tarnished to create a beautifully aged, antique appearance. So, be careful not to make it *too* shiny!
Keep It Dry
When it comes to moisture, it’s probably silver’s greatest enemy.
If your jewellery gets wet, or you give it a clean with water, take a moment to pat it dry with a soft cloth.
It’s also good to let pieces air dry (like a lil’ silver spa day), before tucking them away in their storage spot.
This will protect your jewellery from tarnishing and help protect its natural lustre.
Don’t Sweat the Green Finger Effect
Ever worn a silver ring and noticed a green mark on your finger? “Green finger” happens and isn’t always about silver quality.
Sterling silver 925 is alloyed with small amounts of other metals, usually copper, to make it durable for everyday wear. When these metals react with moisture, heat, or products like lotions, they can leave a temporary green mark on the skin.
Keeping jewellery dry helps. For rings, a thin layer of clear nail polish on the inside can create a barrier and prevent green marks.
Skin Sensitivity & Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is generally well tolerated, but just like cats, skin can be a little unpredictable at times.
In rare cases, some people may notice irritation when wearing silver jewellery. This can be influenced by individual skin chemistry, heat, friction, moisture, or products like soap, lotion, or hand sanitiser getting trapped underneath. It can happen even if you’ve worn silver before.
Our jewellery is made from sterling silver 925, an internationally recognised and legally defined standard. The silver starts as 99.99% pure recycled silver and is alloyed with small amounts of other metals to make it durable enough for everyday wear.
Any skin reaction does not indicate that the jewellery isn’t genuine or faulty.
Finally, Mind the Cats!
We all know our furry friends have a penchant for playing with anything that glistens and glimmers.
So, along with the rest of our care tips, be sure to keep your jewellery away from playful paws... unless you prefer to wear those scratch marks with pride of course!