How to take care about your sterling silver jewelry?

Silver is a durable metal, resistant to environmental factors, and can last for hundreds of years!

Jewelry made of 925 sterling silver alloy often becomes family heirlooms, passed down through generations. However, despite the stunning properties of silver, jewelry should be cared for properly to preserve its original beauty for decades.

 

COMMON MISTAKES IN CARING FOR SILVER JEWELRY

 

1. Mechanical impact on the piece

Scratches and abrasions on silver items can occur due to mechanical pressure on the piece - for example, wearing your favorite ring to the gym or squeezing it against handles in transportation.

Intense contact of silver with other metals and hard surfaces can leave scratches and dents, so try to avoid such situations.

It's also advisable to remove jewelry at the beach since sand and pebbles can cause tiny scratches on silver.

 

2. Chemical impact

The sterling silver alloy consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% pure copper. This small portion of copper provides the necessary hardness for long-term wear and is the part most reactive to the external environment, leading to tarnishing.

Copper reacts with sulfur, and sulfur compounds can be found almost everywhere: in the air, in raw eggs, in human sweat.

In essence, the entire external environment affects jewelry. But don't panic; firstly, this impact is not instantaneous, so your jewelry won't darken suddenly. Secondly, with proper care, this impact can be minimized.

 

4 SIMPLE RULES TO KEEP SILVER JEWELRY IN GOOD CONDITION

1. Remove jewelry to avoid contact with household and cosmetic chemicals. Do not wash dishes wearing rings - use gloves instead. Apply perfumes and cosmetics before putting on jewelry or be mindful to prevent chemicals from touching them.

2. Take off jewelry before going to the gym, swimming pool, sauna, or any place with increased humidity and temperature. High temperature and humidity, combined with increased sweating, create a favorable environment for tarnishing.

3. Remove jewelry when you are at the sea - it's easy to lose pieces in the water. Pay special attention to rings: when you freeze, your fingers become slightly thinner, making rings less secure. A strong wave can easily sweep away a ring.

4. Reduce stress. Silver reacts with your body, and stress increases the intensity of perspiration, leading to faster tarnishing of silver. However, if silver darkens abnormally quickly - literally within a few days - it may signal health issues. In such cases, consulting a doctor is advisable. Individual intolerance to certain metals is also encountered occasionally.

 

If the silver has a coating, such as rhodium plating or gold plating, it acts as a barrier, isolating the silver from the external environment and preventing tarnishing.

Rhodium, being a very durable metal, enhances scratch resistance. These coatings essentially seal the silver item, protecting it from contact with the surroundings.

However, even silver with coatings should be worn with care to preserve the coatings as long as possible.

If the piece has oxidation, you need not fear tarnishing since it is already dark. Over time, the dark color will intensify in recessed areas and naturally polish on raised sections, adding more contrast, brilliance, and vintage appeal. So, jewelry with oxidation only gets better with time!

 

As for pieces with stones or crystals, they follow the same care guidelines as jewelry without insets. However, extra caution is needed for items with insets, as the stones or crystals are more delicate than metal.

 

Particular attention is required for jewelry with crystals due to their asymmetric shape and the type of setting. There's a risk of catching on clothing, which can compromise the setting's integrity. Therefore, wearing jewelry with crystals requires more careful attention than pieces with gemstones.

 

HOW TO CLEAN JEWELRY FROM TARNISH?

 

The best way to restore the original appearance of your jewelry is to take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning. This type of cleaning cannot be done at home without the appropriate equipment and tools. I provide free professional jewelry cleaning for my clients for 1 year since purchasing :)

 

If you can't have your piece professionally cleaned, you can invest in jewelry cleaning products like wipes and solutions specifically designed for silver.

You can purchase these items at jewelry stores, specialized shops, and, of course, online. I highly recommend the brand Connoisseurs.

 

To remove dirt, you can gently clean your jewelry with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Additionally, it's advisable to periodically wipe the piece with a soft fabric – I include one in every shipment. This helps to remove residue and slightly polish the surface, maintaining the jewelry's shine.

 

HOW TO STORE JEWELRY

It's best to store jewelry in a dark, dry place, keeping each piece separate from others. Some natural gemstones are sensitive to sunlight and prolonged exposure can cause them to lose their color. Avoid storing jewelry in the bathroom due to high humidity levels.

The most convenient way is to keep pieces in the box you received them in, but don't store them all together to prevent scratching.

 

That's it. This set of rules will help you preserve your jewelry in its original condition for many years!

 

P.S. The text might seem lengthy, but the rules are straightforward: remove jewelry during workouts/swimming/saunas/beach activities; avoid using antiseptics; clean with mild soap; take them off when doing dishes or showering; store in a dark, dry place.

P.P.S. If you accidentally wash your hands without removing a ring, don't worry. Metal is highly resistant to environmental factors, and occasional forgetfulness won't harm your jewelry :)