Sterling Silver Jewelry Care Guide

Today we are diving into the world of jewelry upkeep, more specifically, sterling silver jewelry upkeep – a favorite of many. We all love it for its affordability, versatility, and endless style options. However, silver jewelry is also notorious for tarnishing, which can be pretty frustrating. But don't worry, there are ways to prevent it from happening!

Another option is to use a silver polishing cloth. These cloths are specially designed to remove tarnish and restore shine to silver jewelry. Simply rub the cloth on the jewelry until it’s clean and shiny! It’s like magic before your eyes! If you’re looking for a silver polishing cloth I actually have some you can shop by clicking here! They are super convenient to have around for a quick polish!

• Store your silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat: Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause your silver jewelry to tarnish more quickly. Therefore, it's important to store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from windows, radiators, or other sources of heat. Ideally, you should also avoid storing your jewelry in a damp or humid environment such as a bathroom, as this can cause tarnishing as well.

• Keep your jewelry in an airtight container or a ziplock bag: Exposure to air and moisture can also contribute to tarnishing on your silver jewelry. To prevent this, you can store your jewelry in an airtight container, such as a jewelry box, or a ziplock bag. This will help minimize the amount of air and moisture that comes into contact with your jewelry, which can slow down the tarnishing process.

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• Add a piece of chalk or a silica gel packet to the storage container: Chalk and silica gel packets are both great options for absorbing excess moisture in your jewelry storage container. Chalk is a natural absorbent and can help prevent moisture from building up in the container. Silica gel packets, on the other hand, are designed specifically for this purpose and are often found in shoeboxes, purses, and other products to absorb moisture (you know those little packets that are in nearly everything you purchase and you’re like what is this for?? We finally know!). Simply add a piece of chalk or a silica gel packet to your jewelry storage container to help keep your silver jewelry dry and prevent tarnishing.

Remove your jewelry before swimming or showering (I know this is an annoying one, and I have to say I don’t do this myself…but I should…lol) Chlorine and other chemicals found in pools and hot tubs can cause tarnishing on your silver jewelry. Additionally, showering with your jewelry on can cause buildup of soap and shampoo residue, which can also contribute to tarnishing over time. To avoid this, simply take off your jewelry before you go for a swim or hop in the shower.
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• Apply lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your silver jewelry. These products can contain harsh chemicals that can react with your silver jewelry and cause it to tarnish more quickly. By applying these products before putting on your jewelry, you can minimize the amount of exposure your jewelry has to these chemicals. It will also help if you allow the products to fully dry before putting on your jewelry to further minimize contact.

• Wear your jewelry often– this seems counterintuitive, I know! But, the natural oils in your skin can help prevent tarnishing on your silver jewelry. When you wear your jewelry, the oils from your skin create a barrier between the metal and the air, helping to slow down the tarnishing process. So don't be afraid to wear your silver jewelry often! Just be sure to clean and store it properly when you're not wearing it to help maintain its shine.

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