Sterling Silver Jewelry Care Guide

How to safely clean sterling silver jewelry
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Hello there my fellow jewelry lovers!
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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!
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So, first things first, why does sterling silver tarnish? Well, it’s all due to the fact that sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The copper content is what causes the tarnish. When the sterling silver comes into contact with air, moisture, and certain chemicals, a reaction occurs between the copper and the environment which creates a dark film on the surface of the silver.
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But–fear not! Tarnishing is completely normal and can be easily remedied with the right care and maintenance. Here are some tips on how to safely clean and store your sterling silver jewelry:
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Tip 1: Cleaning your silver jewelry
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How to safely clean sterling silver jewelry
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There are several methods to safely clean your silver jewelry, but one of the easiest – and definitely the safest – is to use a mild soap and warm water. Mix a small amount of gentle soap with warm water and soak your jewelry for a few minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush (I use an old soft bristled toothbrush)  to gently clean the silver. Be sure to rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely with a soft cloth.
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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!
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Tip 2: Storing your silver jewelry properly
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To prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing, it’s important to store it properly. Here are a few tips:
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  • 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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Cendrine Jewelry Box
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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.
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Amazing reasons to keep silica gel packets
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Tip 3: Preventing tarnishing
To prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing, there are a few things you can do:
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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So, we know that sterling silver may tarnish, but with the right care and maintenance, your jewelry can stay shiny and beautiful for years to come! So, go ahead and wear that silver necklace or bracelet with confidence – just remember to give it a little TLC every now and then and it will be good as new!
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1 comment

  • Very interesting and good advice .Thank you .

    Pamela

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