You can clean your silver jewels in a solution of soapy water and dry them with a soft towel. If your ornament is a little dirtier than usual or if it has not been worn in a while, a bath with a special silver cleaning solution might be just the thing to return its shine. After the bath, do not wipe the jewel with anything besides a soft piece of felt fabric or a polishing tissue. A napkin or paper towel can scratch your jewel.

As with other jewels, avoid wearing silver in chlorinated water or in mineral baths, because this leads to discoloration. When you are not wearing your silver jewels, store them in a cool, dry, dark place. A dark, rust-resistant bag (a special bag doused in silver cleaning solution) can be used but only if you’re silver jewel is not set with precious stones. Since light and air are the factors that facilitate the darkening of silver, the less it sees of them, the better. Do not place or store your silver jewels in plastic bags. They do nothing to protect them and can even harm some gems that your jewel may be set with. Some precious stones, such as pearls and opals, contain water and need to “breathe”, which is why plastic bags are not a good idea for storage.

Although flowers and fruit look lovely in silver containers, the acid produced as they decay can etch the containers and cause serious damage. Rubber severely affects silver. Rubber corrodes silver, and it can become so deeply etched that only a silversmith can repair the damage. Raised designs can be lost permanently. Avoid using storage cabinets or chests with rubber seals, rubber floor coverings, rubber bands, etc. 

Other enemies of silver include table salt, olives, salad dressing, eggs, vinegar and fruit juices. Serve these foods in china or glass containers.