Keep in mind that your jewelry is a work of art. Silver is a soft, delicate metal which needs to be worn and cleaned gently. Silver will bend, scratch, and even break if not handled with care. Do not sleep in your handmade jewelry. Use a polishing cloth to shine your sterling silver jewelry as needed to remove tarnish. Do not use commercial cleaners as they may dull, weaken, crack or discolor the beads and/or metal. The best way to keep silver shiny is to use and wear it regularly. Do not bend or twist when storing. Keeping your sterling in a closed jewelry box (or even better, plastic bags with the air gently squeezed out) will prevent tarnishing. Humidity tarnishes silver very quickly.