22 ways to take care of silver jewellery

I love silver jewellery. I love white gold jewellery! I love platinum jewellery. That’s it! Out of all these three, silver is cheapest, and it can make lovely jewellery if designed beautifully. Being a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last for a lifetime, it needs to be taken care of otherwise it’s got a tendency to look dirty and tarnished. This is especially the case of Sterling silver jewellery because silver itself is a soft metal, which can goes out of shape quite easily. However, properly maintained silver actually improves with age and it develops a lush patina when treated well. In my first posting on this blog, I’m going to share my secrets about silver jewellery care. Please feel free to comment and add more points to the list.

Preventing and Limiting Tarnishing and Staining is the Best Approach

1. Store your jewellery in a clean, dry place

2. Keep your jewellery in a fabric-lined jewellery case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper

3. Don't jumble your jewellery pieces in a drawer or jewellery case. Pieces can scratch each other

4. Hang them up – There are a variety of organisers that have a hanger like hook with numerous clear pouches. Those styles are a great way to keep your earrings separate and visible. Place one pair of earrings in each pouch to ensure that the posts will not scratch the other earrings

5. Be careful when removing your jewellery to wash your hands. Do not leave your jewellery on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain

6. See your jeweller at least once a year to have your jewellery checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear

7. Use tarnish-resistant cloth and cases to store silver

8. Consider purchasing a jewellery box with a lock and key for extra security

9. Never leave silver jewellery lying against bare wood. Wood, especially oak, contains an acid that will mar the surface of the silver. Paper and cardboard, since they are wood pulp products, will have the same effect, so avoid storing silver in envelopes or small cardboard boxes also

After storage comes… cleaning and sanitising

10. There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewellery in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in many different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your jewellery at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewellery and prolonged use may loosen gemstones from their mountings

11. Simply clean with a mild soap and water solution. Pat dry with a soft cloth. If dirt is more stubborn a silver cleaner is appropriate. But don't rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or fine piece of felt. Tissue paper or paper towels will cause scratches

12. Silver jewellery should always be cleaned with a soft cotton or flannel cloth. Synthetic materials can cause scratching. You can also purchase a silver cleaning cloth, which has anti-tarnish ingredients, and keep it inside your jewellery box for quick cleaning

13. You can also use a child's toothbrush to get into intricate scrollwork or patterns

14. For quick cleaning of silver, such as removing makeup or light dirt, use a small amount of liquid detergent or soap to about a half a cup of warm water. Using your cloth, wipe the solution the jewellery, rinse under clean warm water, and dry thoroughly. If using the toothbrush, scrub gently with the solution and rinse

15. To remove tarnish or heavier dirt build-up, you will need to use special silver cleaner. Silver cleaners come in both a paste and a liquid form. Liquids are also known as silver dips

16. To use a paste, the best method is to scoop a small amount on your cloth or brush and gently work it in to the crevices of the scrollwork or pattern. Work in a straight-line motion, as all cleansers include some form of abrasive and a circular motion may cause severe scratching. Allow the paste to dry then use another clean cloth to wipe the excess away. You can also rinse the piece under warm water and dry thoroughly

17. If your piece includes gemstones of any kind, cleaning requires much more care. Both forms of cleansers can dull the polished finish off the gemstone. Silver dips are almost out of the question for a piece that includes stones that are porous in nature, such as Lapis or Turquoise, as the stones will break down from the absorption of the chemicals. The best solution in this case is a paste, using caution not to touch the stones. Work in small areas until the piece is tarnish free. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately

18. Like other jewellery, avoid wearing silver in chlorinated water, as this will discolour it

19. If you have a dirty ring or jewellery including gold, soak overnight in the soft drink 7up or Coca Cola - but 7up is the best. It will come out sparkling. Leave longer and change liquid if very dirty. You will be amazed at the result, and it is safe

20. To clean Rhodium plated silver jewellery simply wipe with a soft damp cloth. Do not use a silver polishing cloth. Do not use a jewellery dip

21. There’ve been some reports on the vinegar method. Apparently soaking jewellery in vinegar leaves it sparkling! (Not tested by me, or anyone I know, though!)

Talking about shining…

22. Place a clean cotton sock on your polishing hand. Dampen the sock slightly under cool running water. Squeeze a pearl-size drop of toothpaste on your fingertip area. Apply the toothpaste to the silver using up-and-down rather than circular strokes until the tarnish is gone. Rinse the silver well and polish it dry with the clean side of the sock.

And that’s it! With proper care and storage, your silver jewellery will bring you many years of wear and enjoyment.