Care Guide

Heavy Lies care guide

Daily Care

Sterling silver is durable, but a little care goes a long way.

  • Wipe after wearing — use the polishing cloth included with your order to remove oils and moisture
  • Put jewellery on last — apply cologne, lotions, and styling products before putting on your pieces
  • Remove for physical activity — take off before gym, sports, or heavy manual work

Cleaning

Regular cleaning (weekly):

  • Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth
  • Use the polishing cloth for extra shine

Deep cleaning (monthly or as needed):

  1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
  2. Soak for 5–10 minutes
  3. Gently clean with a soft toothbrush
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
  5. Dry completely with a soft cloth

Never use: harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive materials, silver dips (can damage finishes), or ultrasonic cleaners on pieces with stones.

Storage

Proper storage prevents tarnish and scratches.

  • Use the pouch — store in the anti-tarnish pouch provided with every order
  • Keep pieces separate — don't let jewellery pieces touch each other
  • Avoid humidity — don't store in the bathroom or near windows
  • Store chains flat — prevents tangling and kinking

Dealing with Tarnish

Tarnish is natural for sterling silver — it's actually a sign of real silver. Here's how to handle it.

Light tarnish: Polish with the included cloth using firm pressure in straight lines (not circles).

Heavy tarnish:

  1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil (shiny side up)
  2. Place silver on the foil
  3. Cover with boiling water
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  5. Let sit for 2–3 minutes
  6. Remove, rinse, and dry thoroughly

This uses a chemical reaction to lift tarnish without scrubbing. Many people actually prefer the aged patina — it gives each piece character.

What to Avoid

  • Chlorine — pools, hot tubs, cleaning products
  • Sulfur — rubber bands, some foods (eggs, onions)
  • Perfumes and lotions — chemical reactions accelerate tarnish
  • Sweat — remove before intense exercise
  • Saltwater — beach swimming speeds up tarnishing
  • Household chemicals — cleaning products, bleach