What are the best ways of caring for STERLING SILVER: 5 TIPS for long-lasting silver Jewellery 2019.
You will find here the best solutions for helping YOU to clean and maintain your Sterling Silver jewelry. Also, YOU will find why is it very important to look after your sterling silver jewelry and how can it benefit YOU.
KEYWORD(S): STERLING SILVER CARE
Are you as obsessed with sterling silver as much as I am? Do you love the brilliant shine, grandeur incredible versatility, and just the fact that it can almost match with other jewelry and your favorite outfits?
Whether you are always keeping up with the latest trends, or a timeless jewelry fan. I am just as crazy about stunning accessories as you are.
While buying beautiful jewelry is the best thing ever, nothing ruins the mood more than tarnish. For this main reason, most of us dread the cleaning process and think that our silver is forever ruined and is worthless.
But, you are wrong because we're here to show you that sterling silver care is easy, quick, and convenient. You just need to know the right magic tricks and techniques.
So let’s get polishing!
1. KNOW THE most important no are those sterling silver no's, I mean!
First point if your goods have a rating of .950, they will need consistent polishing and care. If they have a rating of .925, the material is tough and will last longer meaning lucky you! You don’t need as much cleaning. All of Almas Collections sterling silver jewelry is .925 and should require a little less work than the silver you may have purchased elsewhere.
If you're totally unsure or there is no label in view, check with your jeweler. This is one of the reasons we strongly advise you to check numbers. It guarantees legitimate silver (because sadly, there is a lot of fake jewelry out there giving a bad name to silver).
Remember, with proper care and knowledge of your jewelry, your precious piece can last a lifetime and even become a family heirloom for future generations to enjoy and admire. It's best to be absolutely 100% sure you're getting REAL and QUALITY products.
2. Remember DRY SILVER IS always HAPPY SILVER
Interesting fact: pure water by itself doesn't damage the sterling silver. In fact, most of the water was exposed to in our daily lives is not purified. Due to contaminants and chemicals in the water. This can result in tarnished and dull looking silver.
Never take a Shower while wearing Silver Jewellery:
It's not a smart idea to shower with your silver jewelry on. But if you have too once in a while isn't going to do any long term damage. Just make sure to dry it afterward.
Swimming Pool:
Please take your silver off. Chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical and can really damage it. So if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewelry before hopping in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward and don’t forget to dry it.
Hot Tubs try to avoid:
The same issue as with the swimming pool, but there's even more chlorine in the hot tub and the heat can accelerate the chemical reaction. So it is really NOT recommended.
Hot Springs is a MUST AVOID:
The sulfur in natural hot springs will cause major permanent damage on your silver. Unless you are really going for that "dark oxidized" look. MUST BE AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Extra Tip:
The chemicals in lotions and perfumes can also cause your jewelry to tarnish. Apply them first, let them dry, then put your jewelry on. This will make a BIG difference in your silver's shine.
3. MAINTAIN & PROPER STORAGE of your jewelry
My question to YOU what happens if you leave your brand new car out in the rain? It gets dirty! It is the exact same when it comes to your sterling silver. You need the appropriate storage for your stunning jewelry.
Leaving your Jewellery in the open air can cause major damage over time to your delicate silver. Don't just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewelry chest.
It's the best way to store your silver in individual, air-tight bags that has anti-tarnish properties. These types of bags keep air exposure out and keep the shininess and brilliance intact and in my opinion well worth it.
Another good tip I want to give you is unclasped and unhook the jewelry to avoid potential scratching. DO NOT bunch several pieces in the same bag or box to save time or space. This will get your jewelry tangled, scratched and tarnish. I am unfortunately speaking from personal experience!
Extra tip, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
Finally, if you are traveling with your jewelry be sure to use a special case. The last issue you want to deal with on vacation is scratched-up jewelry.
4. KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELLERY
I know how much you love your gorgeous ring or bracelet. And, I personally know it can be hard to take those babies on and off again. But, it's important that you do, and here's why.
The strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Please don't take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry!
Best times to remove jewelry during the following times:
- Household chores, such as dishes, laundry, and when using cleaning supplies.
- When exercising, at the gym, or playing contact sports.
- When showering or bathing.
- Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas.
- Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool).
- When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products).
- Preparing, cooking, or eating foods that contain sulfur (this includes eggs and mayonnaise).
- Outside chores or tasks, such as gardening.
5. POLISH IT PRETTY & SHINY
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. Fortunately, sterling silver care can be as easy as a simple fast rubdown.
To do this, use a simple microfibre cloth or special jewelry cloth (PLEASE NO paper towels or toilet paper) to clean your goods.
Quick tip 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, as it will 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. It'll get into every nook and cranny you need. Simple and easy way to clean.
BONUS: MAKE YOUR OWN DIY CLEANER
Are you storing your jewelry correctly and polishing it, but still looking for a greater shine? Needing just a bit more brilliance? Check out some of our favorite, tried-and-true cleaning methods.
Note: these are natural cleaning methods, as the harsh chemicals in professional cleaning products can be incredibly taxing on your jewelry.
WATER AND BAKING SODA METHOD
- 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 DIY cleaner in gentle motions and movements.
DISH LIQUID AND WATER
- No fancy cleaning methods needed for this option.
- Simply rinse the jewelry off in the same way you would clean your own hands.
SALTWATER 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! 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.
My conclusion.
It is very important to care properly and maintenance is necessary for any fine jewelry.
If you follow my recommended tips, sterling silver care is incredibly easy! These methods will help prolong the longevity (and beauty) of your necklaces or rings for years to come!
I would love to hear about your experience and stories. So that I can share with our readers. So email us at info@almascollections.com with your stories!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Be sure to check out our beautiful and timeless collections today! Take me to Almas Silver Collections
Click here if you want to know Why Should you Buy Real Sterling Silver jewelry 2019?
