Silver jewellery is versatile and lustrous making it one of the most popular choices for making jewellery. Sterling silver (nickel-free) is hypoallergenic and a great option for people with sensitive skins. With its brilliance, long-lasting durability and affordability, it is not hard to see why this precious metal is a staple for every jewellery box. However, incorrectly storing your silver jewelry can cause it to tarnish over time. This is because of the chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen or sulphur reacts with silver. Tarnishing can cause your beautiful silver or sterling silver jewellery pieces to appear discoloured and dirty. Fortunately, caring for your silver/sterling silver jewellery is easier than you thought.
Follow this simple yet comprehensive guide to care and clean your silver/sterling silver jewellery and be everready to flaunt your shine!
- Polish With Microfibre Cloth
Store all your silver/sterling silver jewellery in airtight pouches in your jewelry box. This will keep them safe from humidity and moisture and prevent them from tarnishing. Use a microfiber cloth or smooth flannel to gently polish it to shine regularly. Use back and forth strokes inline with the silver grain for optimal results. Never use tissue or any abrasive fabric as this might scratch your jewellery. Use cotton buds to clean curves and crevices that are hard to reach.
- Soap and Warm Water
Using phosphate-free soap and warm water is a tried and tested way to clean your silver. Clean your jewellery with a solution of warm water and mild dish-washing soap and restore its lost splendor.
- Toothpaste
A simple DIY remedy to breathing life into your favourite silver/sterling silver jewellery pieces is by using non-gel based fluoride toothpaste. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste (that does not contain coarse substances or micro-crystals) onto a soft moist cloth and lightly rub your tarnished silver. Use soft bristled toothbrush to remove tough stains and clean intricate designs of your jewellery. Rinse these silver articles with warm water and dry with soft, non-abrasive cloth.
- Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Combine ½ cup of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Dip a soft non-abrasive cloth into the solution and wring out the excess. Use the moistened cloth to clean your silver/sterling silver. Rinse your polished jewellery with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
- Baking Soda, Aluminium Foil and Water (get scientific!)
Transfer the tarnish off your silver jewellery onto aluminium foil with this simple experiment. Line the kitchen sink or glass baking dish with the aluminium foil. Ensure that the dull side faces down and the shiny side is upwards. Place your tarnished silver jewellery onto the foil and pour boiling water over it until the jewellery is completely immersed. Now add 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and salt and gently stir till all the granules dissolve to avoid scratching. Rest your tarnished silver jewellery in this mixture for 5/10 minutes. You will notice that the blackness has been transferred onto the foil. Drain the solution and rinse off your jewellery with warm water. Dry using a soft cloth.
Spruce up your jewellery collection with our exclusive selection of sterling silver earrings and necklaces. Wear your silver/sterling silver jewellery often to prevent it from darkening and discolouring.