How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver is a popular choice for
jewelry makers. Many silver jewelry
buyers look for the quality stamp that
accompanies fine quality sterling silver
jewelry (found on the underside of the
silver item), as these can last a
lifetime, with proper care. So how does
one properly care for sterling silver?
The first problem encountered by
sterling silver owners is scratches. It
is easy to avoid this by putting your
silver jewelery inside a cloth pouch,
which will serve as padding. There are
also special tarnish prevention cloths
or bags which slow down the tarnishing
process. Or, should you have only one
jewelry box, place it in a compartment
or drawer of its own. Keeping it in a
dry, cool place also helps.
The next important thing to remember is
to keep it away from household chemicals
we often use for cleaning, such as
bleach and ammonia. Another chemical to
watch out for is chlorine. When
swimming, remove your jewelry as the
chemical in the swimming pool will
damage silver.
Putting your silver at a safe place and
keeping them away from the
abovementioned chemicals are not enough.
It is also necessary for you to clean
your silver pieces. The other problem
faced by silver jewelry owners is
tarnish build-up. This is when you
notice that your silver jewelry begins
to 'dull,' which is a natural occurrence
when silver reacts with the hydrogen
sulphide or sulphur in air. However, do
not be afraid when you see this, as it
is easily managed. There are many
polishes which can remove silver tarnish
build-up, and you can find these
polishes or solutions, as well as the
cloths to wipe your silver, in stores
you frequent, such as hardware stores
and specialty craft stores. Upon seeing
tarnish, it is best to clean it right
away, as this is also the time when it
is easily removed. Regular cleaning will
assure you of gleaming silver which will
last you a lifetime.
Phosphate-free detergent is also
recommended. You also probably have
heard of many people using toothpaste in
cleaning their sterling silver jewelry.
However, experts warn that it might
actually be too coarse, leaving dull
scratches on your silver item.
Many people think that keeping their
silver jewelry carefully will ensure
that it will remain shiny and bright,
and we have also found out that cleaning
is required. However, the best way to
keep sterling silver jewelry from
tarnish build-up is by simply wearing
it. This creates a patina; a glow which
is combined with darker areas. However,
many people prefer their silver jewelry
to be more shiny and bright, and if you
are also like them, using polish is the
best solution to restore its original
brightness.
Sterling jewelry might sound to be
lovely pieces of jewelry to wear, but
the best thing is that it is relatively
inexpensive - both buying and caring for
it are within reach of nearly any
budget. With the proper knowledge, one
can own sterling silver jewelry, which
can last a lifetimewithout putting a
dent in one's earnings.
Greg Garner is an importer of fine
sterling silver. Visit his silver jewlry
store for more information
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So how does one properly care for sterling silver? The first
problem encountered by sterling silver owners is scratches.