Jewelry Care: How to Clean Sterling Silver
Proper routine care ensures your high-end jewelry retains its best appearance over the years. Here’s the best way to clean sterling silver and get the most out of your jewelry.
Keyword(s): how to clean sterling silver
Silver accessories are a staple in every jewelry box. Yet, many people often make the big mistake of neglecting their sterling silver necklaces, earrings, rings, and pendants.
If not cared for properly, even high-end sterling silver jewelry can appear a little discolored or dirty over time.
This occurs when oxygen or sulfur makes contact with silver, which can tarnish its luster.
To ensure your jewelry continues to look as good as new, learn more about the best ways to care for your Sterling Silver.
Understand the Different Types of Sterling Silver
For effective jewelry care, it’s crucial to distinguish between the different types of sterling silver.
The metal’s purity will determine how quickly the silver will tarnish.
For example, .950 sterling silver will bend with ease and tarnish at a faster rate than .925. The increased purity means you will have to take greater care of .950.
*99.9% of sterling silver jewelry is .925 Sterling Silver.
Some silver jewelry undergoes intentional oxidizing to achieve a unique look. Balinese Silversmiths, for instance, commonly apply this technique for a striking contrast.
Unfortunately, excessive cleaning and polishing can result in a loss of detail. For this reason, we recommend placing oxidized jewelry in a separate area for cleaning.
Preventative Jewelry Care
You may have heard the saying “prevention is better than cure,” and when it comes to sterling silver jewelry, it rings true.
Aside from purchasing sterling silver from a reputable silver jeweler, consider these methods to prevent tarnishing…
One of the best ways to keep sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is simply by wearing it.
The oils from your skin help maintain the silver’s shine and cleanliness.
Be cautious about substances and chemicals that might corrode your sterling silver.
To keep your jewelry safe, avoid contact with:
- Household chemicals
- Chlorinated water
- Rubber
- Substances containing sulfur (latex, wool, eggs, mustard, etc.)
- Direct sunlight
- Hairspray
- Lotions
- Perfumes
Avoid wearing jewelry when doing household chores and always put your jewelry on last to minimize exposure to beauty products or perfume.
Polishing
Polishing is an excellent approach to revitalize sterling silver jewelry that has had minimal tarnishing. It also works well for restoring oxidized silver.
We suggest using a special silver cloth for polishing. If one’s not available, a microfiber or non-abrasive cloth will suffice.
Avoid tissues or paper towels as they can scratch the silver.
The best technique is to polish using back-and-forth motions that follow the grain of the silver.
Contrary to popular belief, circular rubbing can emphasize scratches.
If polishing fails, don’t worry. Here’s how to clean sterling silver at home…
How to Clean Sterling Silver with Home Cleaning Solutions
Sometimes, polishing alone isn’t enough to restore sterling silver.
If you’re pondering how to clean sterling silver at home, there are several effective methods you can try.
Soap and Water
Combining soap and warm water is a traditional method that can rejuvenate your sterling silver.
Mix warm water with a mild ammonia, such as phosphate-free dishwashing soap.
This should be your initial solution if polishing doesn’t suffice. Attempt this before moving on to other sterling silver cleaning tips.
Baking Soda and Water
If soap fails, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply a pea-sized amount of the paste to a clean cloth for polishing.
For stamped, etched, or detailed jewelry, add more water for a thinner paste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach intricate areas.
Rinse the item under warm water and dry it with a clean cloth. It should soon shine like new.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Renowned for its cleaning abilities, lemon juice is effective for cleaning sterling silver.
Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with just a tsp. of olive oil in a large bowl.
Dip a small microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out, and use it to polish the silver. Rinse under warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Baking Soda and White Vinegar
If baking soda alone with warm water isn’t effective, try it with white vinegar.
This gentle method helps remove heavy tarnishing. Soak the tarnished jewelry in 1/2 cup white vinegar combined with 2 tbsp. of baking soda.
Let the item soak for two to three hours.
Don’t be alarmed if the solution fizzes!
Baking Soda, Boiling Water, Salt, and Aluminium Foil
If the methods above do not suffice, create a chemical solution for more effective cleaning…
baking soda, salt, boiling water, and foil.
Begin by lining your kitchen sink or glass roasting pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the dull side faces down.
Next, arrange the jewelry onto the foil and pour boiling water over them until they are fully submerged. Add 2 tablespoons each of salt and baking soda.
Stir the mixture well to dissolve the baking soda, as undissolved granules might scratch the metal.
This solution will transfer any tarnish from your jewelry to the foil. You should notice a significant improvement within 5 to 10 minutes.
Drain the solution using a colander, rinse the jewelry with warm water, and dry it with a clean cloth.
Note: the solution may emit a smell similar to rotten eggs, but it will leave your silver looking like new.
A Professional Cleaning Service
To ensure your jewelry lasts a long time, consider taking it to a professional silver cleaner if you lack the time to clean it yourself or if it is heavily tarnished.
Avoid cleaning antique and valuable pieces on your own, and instead, seek out professional cleaning services.
Purchasing unique silver jewelry from a reputable jeweler and maintaining it properly will ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. Remember, a little effort goes a long way!
Looking to expand your jewelry collection? Explore our exquisite collections of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more.
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