Caring for your jewellery properly ensures it remains as beautiful as the day you received it. Different finishes require different approaches—whether it’s bright white silver, deep oxidised tones, high-polish shine, or a soft matte texture. In this guide, I’ll outline the best ways to care for each finish, helping you keep your pieces looking their best for years to come.
If you have any questions at all after reading this guide then please don’t hesitate to reach out here.

Storing Jewellery: All metal except pure gold and platinum eventually tarnishes. However, there are a few ways to slow that unsightly discolouration. Always store your jewellery in a dry place. Keep your pieces in their original boxes, where I’ve included an anti-tarnish tab or in your own jewellery box. Anti-tarnish tabs last about a year and are available to purchase online—I’ll add a link here if you’d like to stock up. One way to delay the build-up of tarnish is to store your jewellery in plastic bags; this limits your piece’s exposure to the harmful moisture in the air. Alternatively, I also recommend anti-tarnish storage bags for extra protection or add an anti-tarnish tab to your plastic bag.

Buy anti-tarnish tabs here
Buy anti-tarnish bags here

Caring for White Jewellery (White Baked / Depletion Gilded Surface)

The white baked (or depletion gilded) surface on my jewellery is a delicate finish that requires special care. This is the only method suitable for cleaning the white sections, as traditional silver polishing methods can damage the surface. To keep your jewellery looking its best, avoid wearing white-surfaced rings while washing your hands or showering, as water and soap can alter the finish.

For dust or small particles in the concave areas, gently wipe with a soft piece of kitchen paper or a cotton bud—avoid rubbing too hard to preserve the surface. Rings with this white finish are best worn as statement or special occasion pieces rather than daily wear, as they are more prone to scratches. However, earrings and necklaces with this finish can be worn daily since they are less likely to be knocked or damaged.

The backs of all my white torus jewellery are finished with a high polish, which can be buffed using a silver cloth. However, be careful not to let the cloth touch the white concave sections, as it can leave grey smudges.

I know this might make it sound difficult to wear and care for, but if you stick to these simple methods and treat your jewellery with love, it will stay looking bright and white for a long time. I've been wearing my own set since the first time I used this technique over two years ago, and I’ve only had to use the tin foil and baking soda method once to brighten the white—my pieces still look as fresh as the day I made them!

How to Clean White Jewellery: The Baking Soda & Tin Foil Method

This gentle at-home method is perfect for cleaning tarnished silver without damaging the white baked surface.

What You’ll Need:

A small bowl
Aluminium foil
Baking soda
Hot water
A soft cloth or paper towel

Steps:

Line the Bowl – Place a piece of aluminium foil, shiny side up, inside a bowl.
Add Baking Soda – Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda over the foil.
Pour Hot Water – Add hot (but not boiling) water to dissolve the baking soda and cover your jewellery.
Submerge the Jewellery – Place your jewellery in the bowl, ensuring it touches the foil. Only let to non-white areas touch the foil; you don't want the foil to leave scratches in the white.
Wait – Let it sit for 2–5 minutes, allowing the tarnish to lift.
Rinse & Dry – Remove the jewellery, rinse with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth.

This method works through a gentle electrochemical reaction, safely removing tarnish from the surface without harsh polishing.

Important Notes

Do not use this on oxidised jewellery—it will remove the dark patina

Silver jewellery with a high-polish finish has a beautiful reflective shine but can naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and everyday wear. Keeping it bright is easy with regular maintenance and the right cleaning methods.

Caring for Polished Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery with a high-polish finish has a beautiful reflective shine but can naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and everyday wear. Keeping it bright is easy with regular maintenance and the right cleaning methods.

Polishing with a Silver Cloth

For light tarnish, fingerprints, or general dullness, a silver polishing cloth is the best way to restore shine. Simply rub the surface gently in circular motions until the metal regains its brilliance. Avoid excessive pressure, as silver is a soft metal and can scratch.

Removing Heavy Tarnish: The Baking Soda & Tin Foil Method

If your polished silver has developed heavy tarnish, you can safely use the baking soda and tin foil method (outlined above). This method effectively lifts tarnish without abrasive scrubbing, keeping your jewellery smooth and shiny.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a High Polish

Store your jewellery in a dry place, ideally in its box with an anti-tarnish tab.
Avoid wearing polished silver in the shower or while swimming, as chemicals and moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.

With a little care, your polished silver jewellery will stay gleaming and reflective for years to come!

Buy your polishing cloth here

Caring for Oxidised Jewellery

Oxidised jewellery has a beautifully darkened surface created through a controlled patination process. This finish is delicate and surface-level, meaning it can wear away over time, especially on high-contact areas like rings. To help preserve the deep tones and unique character of your oxidised jewellery, follow these care tips:

Cleaning Oxidised Jewellery

Avoid silver polish or polishing cloths, as these will remove the oxidation and reveal the bright silver underneath.
To clean, simply rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft cloth.
If there is dust or build-up in textured areas, use a very soft toothbrush a cotton bud or a soft piece of kitchen paper to wipe gently.

Protecting the Oxidised Finish

Store your jewellery in a dry place, ideally in its box with an anti-tarnish tab, to slow down natural changes to the finish.
Keep oxidised pieces away from harsh chemicals, soaps, and perfumes, as these can strip the patina.
Avoid excessive rubbing or friction, especially on rings, as the oxidation will gradually wear down on raised areas over time.

If your oxidised jewellery begins to fade, I offer a re-oxidisation service to refresh the finish. Just fill out the contact form with your request, and I will arrange this service for the cost of postage only. Alternatively, if you like the way oxidation naturally evolves with wear, your piece will develop a unique, personalised patina over time (this is something I love about oxidised jewellery).

With the right care, your oxidised jewellery will maintain its dark, moody aesthetic for years to come!

Caring for your Jewellery