How to Clean and Care for Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
June 23, 2015
With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry can be handed down as heirloom items that will last for generations. Sterling silver does require a bit of care to keep your jewelry looking it's best. Here are a few tips for preventative care, cleaning, and storing your sterling silver jewelry to maintain it's long-lasting beauty.
Preventative Care for Maintaining Sterling Silver Jewelry:
- Your sterling silver jewelry should not come into contact with harsh household chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or chlorinated water as these chemicals will cause corrosion and accelerate tarnish.
- Likewise, lotions, cosmetics, perfumes, and hair products can also accelerate tarnishing, so remember to put on your sterling silver jewelry as a finishing step before heading out for the day.
Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry:
- Sterling silver is prone to tarnish as it naturally reacts with sulfur or oxygen in the air. Keep in mind that tarnish does not permanently damage your jewelry in any way as it simply affects the surface of your jewelry.
- Cleaning and wearing silver jewelry regularly will prevent tarnish and help maintain its shine. You can significantly slow down the tarnishing process by wearing your sterling silver jewelry often as the oils in your skin will protect the silver and keep it looking shiny.
- To remove tarnish, we recommend using a soft 100% cotton or flannel polishing cloth that has been pre-treated with gentle chemicals made specifically for removing tarnish. Silver is a very soft metal, so do not use paper towels or tissues to polish your jewelry as they contain fibers that can scratch the surface of your silver jewelry. When polishing, use long back-and-forth motions that mirror the grain of the silver.
- Although commercial silver polishes and liquid dips are easy to use, we do not recommend using these products to clean your silver jewelry as the harsh chemicals found in these products can leave your jewelry with a cloudy finish and will remove any antiquing that has been intentionally applied to enhance and highlight design details.
Storing Sterling Silver Jewelry:
- To avoid scratching your sterling silver jewelry, store your silver pieces in a lined jewelry box or soft pouch.
- As exposure to air tarnishes sterling silver, storing your silver in airtight plastic bags with anti-tarnish strips is a great preventative measure.
Following these tips for cleaning and storing your sterling silver jewelry will help to preserve its beauty and shine ensuring years of enjoyment. Still have questions about cleaning and caring for your sterling silver jewelry? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help!
In search of sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, or rings? We welcome you to explore our line of sterling silver inspirational jewelry at Clothed with Truth.
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