Care Instructions
Keeping It Dry
Pure water by itself doesn’t damage sterling silver, but most of the water we’re exposed to in our daily lives is not purified. Chemicals and contaminants in the 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: Take your silver off. Chlorine is a very harsh chemical, so if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewelry before going in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward.
Hot Tub: Same as the swimming pool, but there’s even more chlorine in the hot tub and the heat can accelerate the chemical reaction.
Hot Springs: The sulfur in natural hot springs will wreak havoc on your silver. Unless you’re going for that “dark oxidized” look, avoid it at all costs.
Cosmetics: Chemicals in lotions and perfumes can also cause your jewelry to tarnish. Apply them first, let them dry, and then put your jewelry on. This alone can make a HUGE difference in your silver’s luster.
Proper Storage
You need appropriate storage for your sterling silver pieces. And, you need to be diligent about maintenance. Air exposure can cause your delicate silver Jewellery to tarnish. Don’t just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewelry chest. It’s best to store silver in individual, air-tight bags or boxes with anti-tarnish properties.
These types of boxes and bags keep air exposure out and keep the shine and brilliance intact. Unclasp and unhook the jewelry to avoid potential scratching. Do not bunch several pieces in the same bag to save time or space. This can create tangling, scratching, and tarnishing. For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection.
Finally, if you are traveling with your jewelry be sure to use a special case for protection. Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Polishing
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. Fortunately, sterling silver care can be easily done. To do this, use a simple microfiber cloth or special jewelry cloth (not paper towels or toilet paper) to clean your goods.
Focus on maintaining long up-and-down strokes to clean the jewelry. Be sure to use different parts of the cloth to avoid spreading any tarnish. Do not use circular motions here, as it can actually make the tarnish or dirt worse. Be sure to avoid polishing any part of the jewelry that is intentionally oxidized. For more complex or tight, detailed areas, go in with a Q-tip.
Note: these are natural cleaning methods, as the harsh chemicals in professional cleaning products can be incredibly taxing on your jewelry.
Home Cleaning Methods
Water and Baking Soda: 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 or cleaning wand to apply this cleaner in gentle motions and movements.
Dish Liquid And Water: Simply rinse the jewelry off in the same way you would clean your own hands and dry it completely after you are done.
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 in the mixture. 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.