Who doesn’t adore sterling silver jewelry? We’ve all felt that magnetic pull towards a stunning silver pendant or those adorable silver earrings that just scream ‘wear me.’ Silver has this magical ability to make us feel a bit royal. There is something about its shimmer that goes beyond me and trends, making it the ideal choice for both casual outings and glamorous occasions.
But just like other precious things, silver jewelry care is essential. Ever seen a gorgeous silver pendant covered in a dull black coating? It zaps away all its radiance. As beautiful as silver is, exposure to air takes its toll, turning it black. Silver reacts with sulfur in the air, and voila! Enter silver sulfide, the whack black coating that shows up uninvited. Not only does it rob the jewelry of its beauty, but it also leaves marks on the skin when worn. The only remedy for this misery is a thorough cleanse to restore the original charm of our favorite jewelry piece. Let’s discuss this cleaning process and the steps to clean silver jewelry at home.
Understanding Your Silver Jewelry
Now before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s familiarize ourselves with the types of silver jewelry to have a clearer perspective on the upcoming journey. Typically, silver pieces are crafted from sterling silver or coated with silver rather than being pure silver. These have a lower percentage of silver and are more likely to tarnish and lose their luster.
- Pure Silver – Rare and precious, pure silver contains a whopping 99.9% silver.
- Sterling Silver – It is the sturdy cousin, made up of around 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver. Cleaning sterling silver is fairly easy and it is also more durable than other kinds.
- Silver Plated – Having a delicate layer of silver spread over metals like copper, brass, or bronze, they demand a gentle touch when cleaning, to keep that silver layer happy and intact.
How Often Should You Clean Silver Jewelry?
It’s a common habit to wait until our silver bracelets, earrings, and necklaces turn black before giving them a good clean. While this might seem convenient, it’s recommended to include cleaning silver jewelry into your routine every fortnight. By making it a regular practice, you’ll keep your jewelry shining and sparkling without the need to wait for that noticeable tarnish.
Cleaning Silver at Home
While we have always heard of reaching out to the store-bought jeweler for cleaning, there’s also a fantastic DIY silver cleaner waiting to be discovered right at home. You don’t necessarily require a bunch of specialized cleaning products to keep your jewelry looking brand new! Simply search through your drawers at home and use everyday items to seamlessly integrate the cleaning process.
How to Make Silver Shine
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to ‘How to clean silver jewelry.’ What works on Basket Weaved Quad pendant might not work on Verdant leaf earrings. Feel free to test and try different methods to find what suits your silver jewelry best. Here is one of the methods, using regular cleaners like dish soap: Required Supplies:
- Any brush with soft bristles
- Detergent or dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- A large bowl
Step 1: Mix detergent or dish soap with water In a bowl, mix a bit of dish soap or detergent with warm water, ensuring it is NOT too hot.
Step 2: Soak the Jewelry Place your silver jewelry like your favorite silver ring into the mix and let it soak for five to seven minutes. If it’s been a while since the last cleaning, consider extending the soak a bit.
Step 3: Get Brushing After its soothing soak, carefully take it out and lightly brush the crevices with a soft brush.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry Return the jewelry to lukewarm water for a rinse. Then, gently rub and pat it dry with a microfiber towel. Since silver tarnishes easily, it is advisable to use a silver polishing cloth after each cleaning to maintain the metal’s shine.
How Do You Clean Heavily Tarnished Silver Jewelry?
While extremely oxidized silver jewellery may require polishing, there are cleaning methods for heavily tarnished silver that work well. The method described below uses electrolytic action instead of chemical-polish abrasion, effectively removing tarnish from oxidized silver without affecting the core metal.
Required Supplies:
- A container big enough for the silver jewelry
- Aluminum foil
- Baking soda
- Hot water
Step 1: Wrap your silver jewelry in aluminum foil. Next, prepare a solution in a container by combining hot water with a few tablespoons of baking soda. Adjust the baking soda quantity based on your jewelry’s size or tarnish level.
Step 2: Wrap your silver items in foil and place them in a hot water and baking soda solution. Let it work its magic for a while. If the water cools, add more hot water. Check periodically; if tarnish persists, rewrap and soak again.
Step 3: Unwrap the silver, you will notice the tarnish transferred to the foil. Wash and rinse the jewelry, then dry with a soft cloth. Optionally, polish with any silver polish for that extra shine.
How to Prevent Tarnish
While silver cleaning is undoubtedly an option, taking steps to prevent tarnish can be an even more effective way to keep your sterling silver jewelry shiny and looking brand new for a prolonged period.
- Wear silver jewelry often: It might sound a bit surprising, but wearing your silver jewelry often actually helps maintain its shine, thanks to the natural oils from your skin. This simple act is one of the most effective ways to prevent tarnishing, far better than letting it sit idly in a jewelry box.
- Remove during household chores: Contact with chemical substances like chlorinated water, household cleaners, and sweat can speed up the corrosion process of silver. That’s why it’s crucial to remove silver items before engaging in cleaning or washing activities to safeguard them against unnecessary wear.
- Avoid direct sunlight: To maintain the luster of your silver, it’s recommended to take off your pieces before heading to the beach, pool, or any other areas directly exposed to sunlight. Sun exposure can accelerate tarnishing, so a little precaution goes a long way in preserving the brilliance of your cherished silver items.
Conclusion
While we have choices to clean and maintain the allure of our beautiful silver jewelry, it’s equally important to prioritize preventive measures against damages.