Sterling Silver tarnishes over time. If it is not cleaned occasionally with a polishing cloth it will start to turn color, eventually turning black. You only need to clean the silver and give it a good polish and it will look shiny again. The following steps are for silver and gemstone jewelry. Please note, these directions to not apply to jewelry containing pearls or opals or gold plated jewelry.
The best option for polishing your sterling silver jewelry and to prevent damage to the color or surface of the gemstones is to use a polishing cloth specific to sterling silver jewelry. Make sure to get a good quality cloth that doesn’t scratch your jewels. Polishing cloths specifically for jewelry can be purchased at larger department stores or your favourite online retailer.
This is an easy method to do to give your jewellery a quick clean. Firstly, get a bowl of warm water and add a couple of drops of mild washing up liquid. Pop your jewellery into the bowl. Let them sit for a few minutes. Then using a soft-bristled toothbrush gently scrub until you are satisfied that they’re clean and shiny. Dry your jewels off carefully using a soft towel.
This method uses a basic white toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Apply a little paste on the jewelry and scrub gently with the brush for a few minutes. Wipe off the paste with a damp soft cloth and rinse the jewelry in a bowl of warm water to get the excess paste off while gently scrubbing with the brush. Wipe dry with a soft cloth and leave the jewelry to dry for 2-3 hours.
When not wearing your sterling silver jewelry, remember to store them out of direct sunlight in a jewelry box. Also, storing them in ziplock bags helps slow down the tarnishing process that occurs with sterling silver jewelry. Or you can store them in felt lined boxes and throw in gel silica pouches to keep the moisture out.
– Avoid contact with cosmetics such as hairspray, lotion, perfume, shaving cream, soap, etc. These products can leave a residue on jewelry, creating a dull film that is difficult to remove. If possible let beauty products absorb into your skin before putting on your jewelry.
– Remove your jewelry before doing housework. Household cleaners can cause hard-to-remove build-up and leave dulling scratches. Always remove your jewelry before working with chlorine bleach.
– Keep your jewelry away from extreme heat and cold. Rapid increases in temperature may cause fractures in some gemstones.
– Store each piece of jewelry individually (i.e., in individual containers, compartments, pouches or bags). Metal can scratch or scuff other metal.
– For bracelets and necklaces, always fasten the clasp when storing to reduce tangling.
– Ensure that your jewelry is completely dry before placing it in an enclosed space. Moisture fosters tarnish and can weaken springs and clasps. Certain gemstones may also suffer from water damage.
