Jewelry is meant to be worn, not kept locked away. At Aethera, we design sterling silver pieces to move with you through daily life — from casual outfits to statement looks. But like all precious metals, .925 silver requires care to maintain its shine and integrity.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of caring for your Aethera jewelry, so every piece remains as bold and brilliant as the day you first put it on.
Why Sterling Silver Needs Care
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals (usually copper). The copper strengthens the silver, making it durable for daily wear. However, it also reacts to elements like oxygen, humidity, and sulfur in the air. This reaction creates tarnish — the darkened surface you may notice over time.
Tarnish isn’t a flaw; it’s a natural characteristic of silver. With proper maintenance, it can be easily managed.
Everyday Habits That Make a Difference
The way you wear your jewelry day-to-day has the biggest impact on longevity.
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Put Jewelry On Last
Apply perfumes, lotions, or hairspray before putting on your jewelry. Chemicals in these products accelerate tarnishing. -
Remove During Activity
Take off your pieces when swimming, showering, or working out. Chlorine, salt water, and sweat can dull the finish. -
Rotate Pieces
Wearing the same chain or ring every day exposes it to more wear. Rotating between pieces helps them all last longer.
Cleaning Your Jewelry at Home
A regular cleaning routine keeps silver bright.
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Gentle Soap Solution
Mix mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the piece for 5 minutes, then gently clean with a soft cloth or brush. -
Polishing Cloths
Use a special silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore shine. Avoid paper towels or tissues — they can scratch the surface. -
Deep Tarnish Removal
For heavier tarnish, a silver cleaning solution may be used. Follow instructions carefully, and never use on plated pieces.
Storing Aethera Jewelry Properly
Storage is just as important as cleaning.
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Individual Pouches
Store each piece in its own soft pouch to prevent scratches. -
Airtight Containers
Keep silver in low-humidity conditions. Airtight bags or boxes slow tarnish. -
Anti-Tarnish Strips
Place strips or silica gel packets in storage containers to absorb moisture.
Travel Care for JewelryTaking jewelry on the go requires extra thought:
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Compact Cases
Use a jewelry travel case with compartments to prevent tangling. -
Avoid Checked Luggage
Keep jewelry in your carry-on for safety. -
Climate Considerations
Humid destinations may increase tarnishing — polish pieces before and after travel.
When to Seek Professional Care
While most maintenance can be done at home, some situations require professional help:
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Deep scratches or dents.
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Loose stones or settings.
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Clasps or chains showing signs of weakness.
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Heirloom pieces that need detailed restoration.
Professional jewelers can clean with ultrasonic machines and restore finishes that aren’t possible with at-home care.
Caring for Mixed Metal or Plated Jewelry
If your piece includes gold vermeil or other finishes over sterling silver, follow gentler steps:
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Avoid harsh silver dips or cleaners.
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Use a microfiber cloth for light cleaning.
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Store carefully to prevent rubbing that wears plating.
Aethera’s Commitment to Quality
We craft our pieces from sterling silver because it balances strength with elegance. Each piece is designed to last, provided it’s cared for properly. Our philosophy is simple: jewelry should be worn, enjoyed, and maintained — not hidden away for fear of damage.
Conclusion
Sterling silver jewelry is designed to evolve with you, but it deserves attention. With daily habits, regular cleaning, and thoughtful storage, your Aethera pieces will remain luminous for years to come.
Jewelry is personal — and so is the way you care for it. With the right maintenance, each chain, ring, and earring becomes not just an accessory, but part of your lasting story.