How to Care For Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry has been around since the time of Cleopatra. If you watch the old movies you can see the actors and actresses’ wearing it and it was just as beautiful then as it is now. For those who love silver jewelry and wish to keep their pieces looking good, here are some helpful tips on how to care for silver jewelry:

1.) We all know what happens to silver jewelry that is not cleaned regularly. It gets tarnished. Tarnish happens as a reaction to the substances found around us every day. It looks like dark spots on your silver jewelry. If you see this on your jewelry don’t panic – it is actually very easy to take care of. Things that we use everyday can cause this. Soaps we shower with. Hairspray is another problem because it is sticky and causes everything to stick on your earrings, bracelets, necklaces or even rings if you have them on while spraying your hair. To avoid even more unsightly spots on your jewelry, take them off when showering or primping.

2.) When you are in a hurry and need a fast cleaning you can use very mild dish soap. Just give it a little wash and then take a soft cloth and polish dry. This is great for when you are running late and have to get out the door.

3.) Here is a great way to clean your silver jewelry and you can do multiple pieces at a time. Take a semi deep dish. Line the bottom with aluminum foil and take 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix with warm water. Pour into dish and make sure the mixture covers the jewelry. Place jewelry in and let sit for a couple of minutes. After a few minutes drain it. Be VERY careful to use a strainer because the last thing you want to do is lose a piece of jewelry in the drain. Take the jewelry and rinse, then polish dry with a soft cloth.

4.) Many people buy silver polish from a retailer and polish away. This is great to do while sitting listening to the radio or watching television.

5.) After you have cleaned your jewelry you may want to invest in some special bags that are sold to prevent tarnishing. These are available at most large retail stores. If you cannot find them there then a visit to your nearest jewelry store will be in order. If you are not thrilled with the bags there are also cloths you can buy.

6.) When putting the jewelry away for long periods of time make sure it is wrapped well. If you are storing it with the rest of the jewelry make sure it cannot rub or bump up against anything else. If it gets rubbed or bumped it can make small scratches which will show. After taking such great care of your silver jewelry you do not want anything to happen to it.

7.) Many people are under the misconception that oils from the body will tarnish sterling silver. In all actuality, your natural oils help protect the jewelry against tarnishing so don’t be afraid to wear your favorite pieces when you want to.

As you can see, learning how to care for silver jewelry is actually very easy. Not only is it easy, it really takes very little time to do. For the few minutes you spend caring for your silver jewelry, it will give you many years of pleasure.