How to Care for your Silver

Caring for Sterling Silver

At Shona Hanley Design Studio, each piece is crafted using 100% recycled silver, primarily Sterling Silver — chosen not only for its beauty, but for its durability and longevity.

Sterling Silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver, blended with small amounts of other metals, most commonly copper. Pure silver is naturally soft, making it more prone to dents and wear over time. By strengthening it with copper, Sterling Silver becomes far more suitable for jewellery intended to be worn, treasured, and passed on.

All Sterling Silver used in my work is nickel-free.

Like all precious metals, Sterling Silver can naturally develop tarnish over time. This is a normal reaction caused primarily by exposure to air, moisture, and everyday environmental factors. The copper within the alloy is what creates this natural oxidisation.

The good news is that tarnish is entirely manageable — and with the right care, your jewellery can maintain its beauty for years to come.

Lifetime Care for Studio Pieces

Every piece purchased from Shona Hanley Design Studio includes complimentary cleaning and minor repairs for life. If your jewellery ever needs refreshing, polishing, or professional attention, simply get in touch to arrange a studio care service.

At-Home Cleaning for Light Tarnish

For lightly tarnished silver, or pieces containing delicate gemstones such as opals or pearls, gentle cleaning is always best.

You will need:

• Mild, phosphate-free dish soap
• Warm water
• A soft cloth or very soft-bristled toothbrush
• A lint-free drying cloth

Method:

1. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
2. Soak your jewellery for a few minutes.
3. Gently remove any residue or build-up using a soft cloth or soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

For Heavier Tarnish (Silver Only – No Gemstones)

For silver pieces without stones, a simple home treatment may help lift heavier tarnish.

Method:

1. Add fresh lemon juice and a small amount of salt to half a mug of warm water, stirring until dissolved.
2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution.
3. Gently rub the tarnished areas until the surface begins to brighten.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry fully.

Jewellery with Stones

Any piece containing gemstones is best professionally cleaned to protect both the setting and the stone itself.

If your jewellery was purchased from Shona Hanley Design Studio, I’d be delighted to provide a complimentary cleaning service to restore it safely and beautifully.