Silver is a soft metal that requires constant cleaning to maintain its original luster and proper storage to prevent scratching. Any jewelry or other items made of silver will change color over time due to the natural oxidation process with sulfides in the air. This can cause items to turn yellow and darken over time.
There are a few simple tricks that professional jewelers have developed to preserve the beauty of silver jewelry.
Proper storage of silver coins
While it's tempting to still wear your favorite piece, you should always remove your jewelry before using any type of product with chemicals or abrasives such as chlorine, bleach, ammonia, alcohol, turpentine, or acetone. This includes nail polish, dishwashing liquid, makeup, and even hairspray! Many of these products can permanently damage both silver and gemstones.
Moisture, air, and light can damage the piece, so the optimal way to store sterling silver jewelry is in an airtight, non-reactive container, such as a box lined with a special non-staining material, or a Mylar or polyethylene bag. Each piece of jewelry should be placed in its own bag, so it doesn't rub against anything that could potentially scratch, break the chains, or damage the gem.
Never place jewelry on wooden surfaces, as most wood contains acids that can damage the surface. Cardboard and paper can also speed up the matting process.
Cleaning your silver jewelry
The more often you clean each piece, the easier it is and the less wear and tear on your jewelry, as soiling is minimal, allowing for safer cleaning methods.
Silver is a soft metal that can scratch, so be careful to rub it gently when cleaning. Never use anything other than a clean, lint-free cotton or flannel cloth, a special sterling silver cleaning cloth, or a brush with very soft bristles, such as a baby toothbrush or a silver horsehair brush.
To remove light dirt, fingerprints or makeup, just use a few drops of a mild liquid detergent (such as baby shampoo or Woolite) in a cup of warm water and rinse thoroughly with clean fresh water. Dry completely and lightly buff with a cotton cloth. Always use a longitudinal motion when washing or drying jewelry, as a circular motion often causes scratching.
The safest method for removing the shine is to use a treated silver polishing cloth, but there are a number of silver polishes or pastes that can work well for heavy-duty cleaning if there is a large build-up of tarnish. For best results, apply the spray or paste to a cloth and work up the foam with your hands first. Dirt in hard-to-reach places can be left to create an antique look and add definition to the jewelry. If you prefer to clean the entire piece, you can have it done professionally or use a soft-bristled brush.
Sterling silver dips can be quick and easy, but are not recommended by professional silversmiths and jewelers. If using a silver dip, it is better to put the item in and take it out quickly, repeat after rinsing with water, rather than leave the item in the dip for a long time. Continue polishing with a soft cotton cloth. If you leave the piece for too long or don't wash it enough with fresh water, it will leave a white residue that is difficult to remove.
If you buy a cleaner or soak, make sure the product is designed for the type of jewelry you want to clean. Soaking is not recommended for liquid silver or silver items with precious stones, and even paste or spray cleaners will remove the natural luster of the stones, so make sure you remove all traces of cleaner residue and rinse each item thoroughly with clean water.
More jewelry cleaning tips
Baking soda is often mentioned as a cleaner, but some jewelers say this method is abrasive. If you want to avoid using chemicals and want to try baking soda, you should always test a small part of your silver jewelry first to see if it leaves any noticeable marks. To use baking soda, lightly clean the item with clean water, sprinkle the baking soda on the jewelry and rub gently with your fingers. Once the stain is removed, rinse with clean water and dry with a cotton cloth.
If your jewelry has been coated with a protective varnish (to slow down the tarnishing process), you should clean the item only after all the varnish has completely worn off. Cleaning agents can get under the paint and cause residue stains.
Professional jewelers recommend cleaning your silver jewelry as often as once a month, with an annual professional cleaning for luxury and heirlooms. Cleaning gives you the opportunity to also check for loose stones or parts. Always get your jewelry repaired right away to prevent further damage.
Understanding the proper methods for storing and cleaning silver jewelry is essential to the longevity of each piece.
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