Silver and pearl are an unusual pair to look after. The silver is a metal. The pearl is not — it grew inside a freshwater mussel, one thin layer at a time. They want slightly different things, but a few small habits cover both, and none of them take more than a minute.
Why silver darkens
92.5 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with a little copper added so it is strong enough to wear every day. Over time, silver reacts with sulphur in the air and slowly turns grey, then darker. This is called tarnish. It is normal, it is not a fault, and it comes off.
Humidity, sweat, perfume and rubber bands all speed it up. Wearing a piece often actually slows it down — the small, constant rubbing against skin and clothes keeps the surface bright.
Why pearls need gentler care
A freshwater pearl is made of nacre: thin layers of calcium carbonate, stacked on top of each other. That is where the soft, satin glow comes from. It is also why pearls are delicate. Acids, perfume, hairspray and chlorine dull the surface, and anything hard can scratch it. Pearls are slightly porous, so what goes onto them tends to stay.
Everyday habits
- Put it on last. After perfume, lotion, hairspray and make-up have dried.
- Take it off first. Before the gym, a shower, a swimming pool, the sea, cooking or cleaning.
- Wipe it after wearing. A soft dry cloth over the silver, a soft cloth barely dampened with water over the pearl. Let it dry before you put it away.
- Take it off to sleep. Pillows and blankets catch on settings and rub on pearls.
How to clean it
The silver: rub gently with a soft, dry cloth — a microfibre cloth or a silver polishing cloth. For heavier tarnish, use the polishing cloth on the silver only, working around the pearl rather than over it.
The pearl: a soft cloth dampened with plain water. Nothing else.
The small stones on pieces like the Pinwheel Pearl Studs, the Halo Pearl Cuff Bangle and the Hexagon Pearl Pendant Set sit in tiny settings. Wipe across them; do not pick or scrub at them.
Never use toothpaste, baking soda, silver dip, ultrasonic cleaners, or soak the piece in anything. All of these are sometimes suggested for plain silver, and all of them will damage a pearl or weaken the setting that holds it.
How to store it
- Dry, in a pouch or a closed box. Air and moisture are what tarnish silver, so less of both means less cleaning.
- Each piece on its own. Silver edges and stones scratch pearls if they are thrown in together.
- Not in the bathroom. Steam from showers is one of the fastest ways to tarnish silver.
- Not sealed in plastic for months. Pearls are happiest with a little air. A fabric pouch inside a closed drawer is ideal.
When to write to us
If a pearl feels loose, a clasp will not close, or a stone is missing, stop wearing the piece and message us on WhatsApp at +91 88888 72450 or email nakodasilver2026@gmail.com. Tell us what you are seeing and we will tell you what can be done.
The short version
Last on, first off. A soft cloth. A dry pouch. That is most of it — and a piece looked after this way will keep its shine for years.
Every piece in our range is 92.5 sterling silver with a real freshwater pearl. See all ten pieces.