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 lifetime—without putting a dent in one's earnings.
About the Author
Greg Garner is an importer of fine sterling silver. Visit his website at http://www.silverjewelryemporium.com .
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here