Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

I work exclusively in sterling silver. I love its shine and luster. Silver jewelry is versatile and beautiful, but if you don’t care for it properly it can become tarnished. To keep your sterling silver jewelry looking its best, follow my tips below.

Believe it or not, the best way to avoid tarnish is to wear your jewelry often. The oils from your skin will help keep silver jewelry clean and shiny. Take off your jewelry when using lotions and applying products such as cosmetics, hair spray and perfumes. These products can dull and tarnish your jewelry. To keep it looking its best, put your jewelry on last.

Always remove your jewelry when showering, swimming and cleaning. Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals like turpentine, bleach, ammonia, alcohol and acetone (such as nail polish remover) while wearing jewelry. The chemicals in these products can damage both the metal and the gemstones. Remember to remove your jewelry before you to go to bed. Movement made during sleep can cause stress on jewelry.

When you’re not wearing your jewelry, exposure to air can tarnish it. I recommend storing your silver jewelry in airtight plastic bags. For added protection, you can include an anti-tarnish strip or paper. And to avoid scratches, you may want to store jewelry pieces in separate bags.

If jewelry does become tarnished, the best way to clean it is with a polishing cloth. Silver polishing cloths are made especially for silver jewelry. The cloths are treated with cleaning chemicals. Gently rub your jewelry with the cloth to remove the tarnish and create a lustrous shine. The cloth can be used over and over again and will not harm gemstones.

Polishing cloths also work well when cleaning oxidized silver. Oxidized silver contains areas that are intentionally left tarnished or antiqued. Cleaning your silver with a polishing cloth works well when the tarnish is not severe. For severely tarnished jewelry, consult a jeweler who specializes in silver. Use caution with jewelry that is silver-plated, as excessive polishing can remove the silver plating. I also do not recommend dip cleaners for silver. Repeated use of a dip cleaner can be harsh on silver and alter its color. It also may damage gemstones. Never user jewelry “dip” cleaners or pastes on strung beads.

Don’t let tarnish get the best of your jewelry. Well cared for silver jewelry will retain its beauty and luster for generations. Visit my online shop to browse my handcrafted sterling silver jewelry designs and to add to your collection.