Sterling Silver Jewelry Care: Dos and Don’ts to Keep Your Silver in Its Best Shape
Since ancient times, the natural beauty of silver has made it a desirable material. Even brighter than rhodium and platinum, it has a beautiful luster and is the whitest of all metals. The highly reflective nature of silver accounts for its use in mirror making.
Although there are many uses for silver, jewelry is one of the most popular. Jewelry designers lovingly craft silver into beautiful designs limited only by imagination. Both affordable and beautiful silver jewelry can be found in retail stores and on the Internet. Be sure to do your research to ensure you get the best possible price, as you will find a wide range of prices.
Pure silver is extremely soft and malleable. It mixes with other metals to create jewelry that is not only beautiful but durable enough for everyday wear. The most common of these blends is an alloy known as sterling silver. Copper is added to the metal to provide durability without affecting its beauty. The only problem with copper is that it tarnishes. Some maintenance is required to keep your jewelry looking its best, but thankfully it is a simple and straightforward process. Once you understand a few simple dos and don’ts, it is easy to take proper care of your silver jewelry.
Below are some suggestions for what to do to keep your 925 sterling jewelry at its finest.
Do wear your jewelry often. Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewelry is one of the easiest ways to keep it clean. It sounds strange, but the more you use it, the less often you will have to clean it. Our skin naturally produces oils that help prevent our jewelry from tarnishing. When silver comes into contact with our skin, the oils are transferred to the surface of the silver, keeping it shining for longer. If worn continuously, sterling silver jewelry develops a charming look called patina over time. Many jewelry wearers prefer this bright quality with some darker areas. The patina developed by silver is considered by many to add to the character or personality of the piece.
Do use a specially formulated polish if you don’t prefer the silver patina look and want a shiny look on your silver jewelry. These polishes are created without abrasives that would scratch your parts. Remember that silver has a smooth quality and can be scratched easily. There are many brighteners that can be found on the market today. They are easy to pay and easy to use. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results.
Do use polishing cloths. These cloths are specially treated to shine your silver jewelry without scratching and contain special chemicals that slow down the tarnishing process. These cloths can be found at jewelry stores and online retailers and can even be found at discount stores near your jewelry departments.
Do Periodically clean your silver jewelry with a mild phosphate-free soap, such as dish soap. Gently wash your silver jewelry in warm water. Taking the time to line a glass baking dish with a kitchen towel or other soft cotton cloth before adding your jewelry will help you avoid accidentally scratching your precious pieces. Dry well with a cotton cloth before storing. If your jewelry is ornately carved or has many facets or angles, be sure to dry hidden or hard-to-reach areas very carefully.
Do Store your silver in a cool, dry place. Use a jewelry storage bag or separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid any contact with other jewelry as they can scratch the surface of the silver. If you are going to store your silver jewelry for the long term, use a sealable plastic bag or other airtight container. Keeping air away from your silver jewelry will slow down the tarnishing process.
Now, for what you should NOT do:
Whose use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. There is some controversy about this, however, experts agree that toothpaste is too abrasive to use on silver and can scratch the surface diminishing beauty and value. Using toothpaste to clean silver is common advice, but prevention is always better than cure.
Whose exposes your silver jewelry to harsh chemicals. Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and ammonia are obvious substances to avoid. The most sneaky shine destroyers are chemicals found in perfumes, hairspray, and cosmetics. It is best to cover your jewelry or adorn yourself with it after applying your hair and makeup.
Whose Let your sterling silver jewelry rest directly on wooden surfaces, as wood generally contains acid that can damage the surface of the silver. We are all guilty of placing our jewelry on our dressers or jewelry boxes overnight. Hopefully that’s a thing of the past, as we now know what it does to our silver jewelry.
With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry will last a lifetime. Now that you know how to care for your jewelry, you can shop with confidence. Try some new styles with silver earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.
