Silver Jewelry care

Silver jewelry is beautiful and is one of the most popular jewelry sought after. Its shines and luster plus affordability make silver jewelry a perfect accessory to everyday fashion. However, like any other metals, silver jewelry can tarnish but fortunately prevention is possible by proper care and handling.

Caring for your silver jewelry

1. Silver jewelry is meant to be worn. If you just leave it laying around, it will tarnish. However, if you are not wearing your silver jewelry, you can still prevent it from tarnishing by proper storing. You can minimize tarnishing and scratches by storing your silver jewelry in individual plastic bags, as well as separate compartment in your jewelry box.
2. Enjoy wearing your silver jewelry. With time, oxidation reaction occur causing silver jewelry to become tarnished. Wearing and handling slows down the oxidation process and keep your silver jewelry polished and shining. By wearing your silver jewelry regularly, your body oils helps to keep the tarnishing down and cleaning to a minimum.
3. Clean your silver jewelry. One of the best ways to do it is by using a silver jewelry polishing cloth – it will give your silver jewelry an amazing shine. Polish your silver jewelry after wearing and before storing it to remove oils, fingerprints, dust and this will also keep it in spotless.
4. Dip only if really needed. Chemical dips contain acids and accelerate tarnish removal, and therefore, dip cleaners work for the first few times. However, the corrosive nature of acid can damage and pit your silver jewelry, and your jewelry may turn in color and never look the same. The use of chemical dip should only be reserved for severely tarnished silver that won’t clean up with polish.    
5. Take your silver jewelry to the professionals. Consider visiting your jeweler at least once a year. He or she can help you to polish and keep the shine of your silver jewelry.

Tips:

• To use baking soda or toothpaste or not – you may have heard of recommendations to use baking soda or toothpaste to clean your silver jewelry, but avoid using them. Baking soda and toothpaste are abrasive and can leave scratches.
• Take out your silver jewelry before going into mineral spas. Silver jewelry may turn black if it is worn in mineral spas.

Remember to give your silver jewelry a regular care and you’ll have it as a heirloom treasure for future generation to enjoy.