When purchasing a piece of silver jewellery, the wearer will want to take every possible step to preserve its timeless beauty. There are several ways to prevent silver from tarnishing.

Tarnishing is the oxidation process that affects silver, brass, aluminium, copper and other self-reactive metals and usually appears as a dull grey or black coating. A primary factor in the tarnishing of these metals is perspiration, although perfumes, hairsprays and lotions can also have an adverse effect.

One of the best ways to avoid tarnishing is to keep it from contact with anything that might accelerate the oxidation process. Ensure that cosmetics are properly dried before putting on jewellery and always remove silver if carrying out strenuous exercise like gardening or sports.

It also helps to carry out some routine maintenance to remove substances that may have come into contact with your jewellery. When removing silver, take a little time to wipe it with a soft cloth or flannel. This saves time if tarnishing occurs later and the further the oxidation process goes, they harder it becomes to remove it.

Once cleaned, always try to store your silver jewellery in a safe fashion. Air and light are also primary causes of tarnishing so try to place articles in a suitable airtight box, a cloth bag or a zip-lock receptacle. Silver tarnish cloth, which can be easily purchased at most jewellery shops, can be cut to size and place inside containers for added protection.

It is also possible to add silver tarnish strips or chalk into containers so that the corrosive properties in air are absorbed. Acid-free paperstock is vital if you are tagging jewellery before storage, and all of these items should be regularly replaced to help prevent tarnishing.

A careful routine of effective storage, sound cleaning practices and suitable materials will help keep your silver looking beautiful for many years to come.