Did you know that oxygen exposure causes your sterling silver jewelry to tarnish over time?
- It’s best to store silver in individual, air-tight bags with anti-tarnish properties. These types of bags keep air exposure out, and keep your jewelry shiny and beautiful.
- Anti tarnish jewelry pouches, boxes and travel cases are available and make great options for silver safe keeping.
- For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
What’s in the water?
Chemicals and contaminants in water can result in tarnished and dull looking silver, so it's best to know what's what when it comes to water.
- Shower. It's not a great idea to shower with your jewelry on, but once in a while isn't going to do any lasting damage. Just make sure to dry it after.
- Swimming Pool & Hot tub. Take your silver off. Chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical, so if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewelry before hopping in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward.
- Hot Springs. The sulfur in natural hot springs will cause your silver to oxidize and turn completely dark.
Climate Control.
- Exposure to perspiration during exercise or
- Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool) can accelerate tarnish
Despite your best efforts, jewelry can still get dirty and tarnished. Sterling silver jewelry care can be as easy as a quick rubdown.
Polish it
Use a simple microfiber cloth or special jewelry cloth (I use a Sunshine cloth) to shine your treasures.
or make your own DIY cleanser
Are you storing your jewelry correctly and polishing it, but still looking for a greater shine? Needing just a bit more brilliance? Check out some of our favorite, tried-and-true cleaning methods.
Note: these are natural cleaning methods, as the harsh chemicals in professional cleaning products can be incredibly taxing on your jewelry.
WATER AND BAKING SODA METHOD - You will need 2 parts water to 1 part baking soda (use a bit more water if the jewelry has delicate features). Stir into a paste. Use an old toothbrush to apply this DIY cleaner and gently scrub.
DISH LIQUID AND WATER - No fancy cleaning methods needed for this option. Simply rinse the jewelry off in the same way you would wash your own hands.
SALT WATER METHOD - Line a cooking pan or large dinner plate with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place each piece of jewelry directly on the foil.
Combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together. Pour the mixture into the pan or large dinner plate. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the mixture. Bubbles will surface! Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes (use a spoon if needed for stirring). Rinse in cool water and dry off with a microfiber cloth.
Following these tips, sterling silver care is easy! These methods will help prolong the longevity (and beauty) of your sterling silver jewelry for years to come!
