HOW TO CLEAN SILVER JEWELLERY

Whatever you do, silver jewellery will develop tarnish spots over time. Even exposure to air causes silver to oxidise. That’s why it’s so important to know how to clean and care for silver jewellery so you can keep its timeless shine bright for a lifetime.

Let’s dive into the art of caring for 925s silver jewellery.

To ensure your silver jewellery lasts as long as possible and retains its best appearance, take proper care of it.

• Store silver in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Remove silver jewellery before bathing or doing sports.
• Wear it whenever you can.

• Over-polish your silver. You can polish the shine away.
• Get your silver jewellery in contact with sulphur, bleach, chlorine, or other strong chemicals.
• Wear silver layered with rubber. Rubber can cause tarnishing.

Avoid getting your silver jewellery in contact with cosmetics. Let any cosmetics you wear dry before putting on your jewellery.

When cleaning silver-plated jewellery, avoid using cleaning products with bleach or vinegar. They could damage the jewellery and remove its shine or even expose the base metal beneath.

Wearing your silver jewellery can prevent tarnish and dirt buildup. The friction between your skin or clothing and the piece works wonders. Wear your timeless piece with pride!

Of course, it won’t eliminate all tarnish and dirt, but it's still a great reason to wear your favourite pieces as often as you want.

Keeping silver shiny can be a challenge, but there are ways to help slow down the tarnishing process. Proper storage is key!

Store silver jewellery in a cool, dark place to prevent tarnishing, and use a jewellery box or pouch to limit air exposure and humidity.

If you want to treat your silver pieces right, use a jewellery box with specifically-designed compartments. That way, each piece can have its own place and you won't have to worry about them getting scratched, tangled, or banged up.

Remember that certain activities can increase the chances of your silver jewellery getting tarnished or damaged.

Avoid wearing your jewellery while showering, swimming, cleaning, or doing outdoor activities. To protect your jewellery, take it off and store it in a dry place before any activities that may get it in contact with sweat or strong chemicals.

If you love your silver jewellery, visit an expert who can bring it back to its former glory.

It's a good idea to visit a jeweller or a professional silver cleaner every six months for a good clean. You might also be able to mine them for advice on keeping your silver jewellery looking its best.

The most common way to clean silver jewellery:

1. In a bowl, mix a dash of washing-up liquid with warm water.
2. Place your silver jewellery in the solution for five minutes.
3. Remove the piece and gently scrub any tarnish with a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse the jewellery in warm water.
5. Dry the jewellery with a soft cloth. A paper towel can create abrasion marks.

Sterling silver develops a black patina over time. Here’s how you create a simple silver-cleaning solution at home.

1. Mix bicarbonate of soda with lukewarm water to create a paste. Let the paste sit on the sterling silver jewellery for a few minutes.
2. Gently rub the paste away with a microfibre cloth. Use a small brush or toothbrush to get into the most hard-to-reach areas.
3. Rinse the piece in cold water and then buff it dry for a polished finish.

To restore the shine of your silver-plated jewellery, clean it with soap and water.

How to clean silver-plated jewellery:

1. Using a soft cloth, gently wipe away dirt, sweat, and grime from all its surfaces.
2. Let the jewellery soak in warm water and a dash of washing-up liquid for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean crevices and other details on the piece.
4. Rinse in cold water and dry with a clean cloth.

Take extra care when cleaning antique silver jewellery. Their rich history and delicate features deserve a gentle touch.

How to give your antique silver jewellery a good clean:

1. Inspect your jewellery for any damage before cleaning to avoid causing further harm.
2. Use a jewellery cloth to gently wipe away any visible traces of oil, grime, or dirt.
3. Create a cleaning solution by mixing a dash of mild hand soap or washing-up liquid with lukewarm water.
4. To clean antique silver jewellery without any features, you can safely immerse it in the cleaning solution. If it has stones or other decorative elements, dip a soft toothbrush into the solution and use it to clean the silver.
5. Move the toothbrush in slow, circular motions to remove dirt.
6. Rinse the jewellery under lukewarm water and pat dry.
7. Let the item dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Once clean, keep your silver jewellery polished to maintain its best appearance.

How to polish your silver jewellery:

1. Soak your silver jewellery in a solution containing a dash of washing-up liquid and lukewarm water.
2. Remove the jewellery and scrub with a soft toothbrush or cotton bud to remove dirt or grime.
3. Rinse in lukewarm water.
4. Before polishing, dry the silver jewellery. Use a soft cloth and avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can leave abrasion marks.
5. Polish with a jewellery polishing cloth or microfibre cloth.
6. Use long back-and-forth strokes and avoid rubbing in circles as this can worsen existing abrasion marks.
7. To keep your silver jewellery clean, use a polishing cloth to remove dirt or grime after every wear.