Sterling silver is a delicate precious metal. Click here to discover how to clean sterling silver rings with gemstones, ensuring your collection remains brilliantly shiny.
Keyword(s): sterling silver rings
As a precious metal, sterling silver requires careful cleaning.
The cleaning process becomes more complicated when the jewelry includes other gemstones, like turquoise. Some methods that work well on plain sterling silver can harm the gemstones.
However, there are a few effective ways to clean such jewelry pieces.
Read this guide to learn how to clean your sterling silver rings.
Be Cautious…
If you search for ways to clean sterling silver, you might come across a method involving vinegar and aluminum. Although effective for sterling silver, this method isn’t advisable if your jewelry includes gemstones.
Aluminum can also harm your jewelry if it’s made from any type of silver other than sterling. Unless you’re completely sure that your jewelry is entirely sterling silver and free of other materials, it’s best to avoid this method.
Cleaning Sterling Silver Rings: The Dish Soap Method
This is probably the easiest and safest way to clean your sterling silver rings with gemstones. Soap won’t damage either the silver or the gem.
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Toothbrush/lint-free cloth
- Towel (optional)
Heat some water, either on the stove or in the microwave. The amount needed depends on how many jewelry pieces you plan to clean, but usually, a cup or two will suffice.
Once the water is warm, divide it into two bowls. The division doesn’t need to be precise; roughly splitting it in half is enough.
Mix a small amount of dish soap into one of the bowls. The exact amount depends on the quantity of jewelry, but don’t worry too much about the ratios. You just need slightly soapy water to help clean your rings.
Be cautious: the more soap you use, the slipperier the ring will become, making it harder to handle.
Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and scrub your sterling silver ring, including the gemstone. Make sure to remove any dirt or lotion around the gem or its edges.
Once scrubbed, dip the ring in the other bowl of warm water to rinse it off. Then, pat it dry with a towel.
If you’re worried that a toothbrush might be abrasive for your silver or gemstone, you can use a lint-free cloth instead. This is a good idea if your jewelry is made of softer silver than sterling.
If you’re working near the kitchen or bathroom sinks, plug them up before starting!
Your ring will be soapy and slippery, and many rings have been lost down the sink during cleaning. This step is crucial, especially if you decide to rinse the ring under a running faucet instead of using a bowl.
Cleaning Sterling Silver Rings: The Toothpaste Method
This method also works well for cleaning sterling silver rings with gemstones, but you need to be a little more cautious.
Toothpaste can be abrasive, and using the wrong type can harm your silver or scratch the stones. If you choose this method, ensure the toothpaste lacks whiteners (other than baking soda), tartar control, or similar chemicals. Avoid any gel types.
- Baking soda toothpaste
- Toothbrush/lint-free cloth
- Warm water
- Towel
Start by warming some water. The exact amount isn’t critical; you’ll use it to dampen the ring before applying the toothpaste.
Place the warm water in a small bowl and set it aside.
Apply a small amount of baking soda toothpaste to the toothbrush. Unlike brushing your teeth, you’ll need less toothpaste since you’re working with a delicate item.
Dip the ring into the warm water and begin scrubbing with the toothbrush. Make sure to clean around the setting’s crevices. Once done, rinse the ring and toothbrush with warm water.
(Depending on the toothpaste amount, you may need to rinse your toothbrush in the sink).
Scrub the ring again without any toothpaste to remove any residual debris and toothpaste. Rinse the ring again and pat it dry with a towel.
If concerned about the toothbrush being too rough, you can use a lint-free cloth instead.
What if I Also Want to Polish the Silver?
If you possess silver polish, you can polish your sterling silver rings after cleaning. However, be cautious to avoid getting polish on the gemstone.
- Sterling silver polish
- Soft cloth
- Lint-free cloth
Apply some sterling silver polish to a corner of the soft cloth. Rub the polish onto the ring using back-and-forth movements. Avoid circular motions, which can scratch the silver.
Let the polish sit for a few minutes. The exact duration will vary based on the polish brand, so follow the package instructions.
Wipe off the remaining polish with a lint-free cloth to restore the silver’s shine.
Keep Your Sterling Silver Rings Clean
Just like any other jewelry, sterling silver rings require proper maintenance and cleaning. When not wearing them, store them separately to prevent scratches.
Have some sterling silver earrings that need cleaning? Check out this guide for cleaning sterling silver earrings.
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