Your Little Taonga jewellery is made to be worn, loved, and passed on. Whether you've chosen a sterling silver piece or one of our 18KT gold-plated designs, a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking beautiful for years to come. Here's everything you need to know.
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a living metal — it reacts to the world around it, and over time it will naturally tarnish. This is completely normal and easy to manage.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, on your skin, or in products like perfume, hairspray, and lotions. The result is a darkening or yellowing of the surface. The good news: tarnish is only surface-deep and can always be removed.
How to Clean Sterling Silver
- Regular wear is actually one of the best ways to keep silver bright — the natural oils in your skin help maintain its shine.
- Gentle polishing with a soft, lint-free cloth (a jewellery polishing cloth is ideal) will remove light tarnish and restore lustre.
- Mild soap and warm water can be used for a deeper clean. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub intricate areas, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface.
Storing Sterling Silver
Store your silver pieces in an airtight bag or a jewellery box with an anti-tarnish lining when not in use. Keeping pieces separate prevents scratching. Anti-tarnish strips placed in your jewellery box can also help slow tarnishing.
Caring for Gold-Plated Jewellery
Our gold-plated pieces are finished with 18KT gold over a sterling silver base, giving them a rich, warm glow. Gold plating requires a little extra care to preserve the finish.
What to Avoid
- Water and moisture — remove gold-plated jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the plating to wear away faster.
- Perfume, lotions, and sprays — always put your jewellery on last, after applying any products to your skin.
- Harsh chemicals — cleaning products, chlorine, and saltwater can all damage the plating.
- Abrasive materials — avoid scrubbing gold-plated pieces; this can wear through the finish.
How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery
Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the surface after wearing. For a deeper clean, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in warm water, apply with a soft cloth, then rinse gently and pat completely dry. Never soak gold-plated jewellery.
Storing Gold-Plated Jewellery
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or the original Little Taonga packaging to prevent scratching. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity.
General Tips for All Jewellery
- Put jewellery on last — after makeup, perfume, and hairspray.
- Take it off first — before cleaning, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
- Handle with clean, dry hands to minimise the transfer of oils and residue.
- Have it checked periodically if your piece has a clasp or setting — a quick inspection ensures everything is secure.
A Note on Patina
Some customers love the natural patina that develops on silver over time — it can add depth and character to intricate designs, particularly those with Māori motifs. Whether you prefer a bright, polished finish or a more aged look is entirely up to you. Both are beautiful.
If you have any questions about caring for your specific piece, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're always happy to help you keep your taonga looking its best.
Shop our full range of sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery — each piece designed to be worn and loved for a lifetime.