Six Easy Ways To Care For Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
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“What is the best way to clean sterling silver jewelry if you are not an obsessive silversmith?” “How do I prevent my handmade sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing?” “How can I clean this ring?” “Why do you like hammers so much?” These are questions that I have been asked. (Except for the last one. No one ever asks me that.)
I will now provide some information that you might find helpful when caring for your handmade jewelry.
Tarnish is a chemical reaction that occurs on the surface of some metals- including silver, and copper. The shiny surface that I have agonized over while I’m making your jewelry will become dark and dull if it is left alone in the open air for too long. The best way to deal with tarnish is to prevent it, by storing your jewelry safely and giving it the occasional clean. Here are six easy things you can do to care for your handmade jewelry.
1. Use a polishing cloth like this one from Sunshine to keep your silver jewelry looking shiny.
2. Don’t store your jewelry in the bathroom. Exposure to humidity and lotions/potions/sprays will cause it to lose its sparkle.
3. Wear your jewelry every day- because it helps to prevent tarnish, and it looks great on you.
4. Clean hard-to-reach areas with a soft bristle toothbrush, and a little bit of mild dish soap, and water. This ring is a perfect candidate for the "toothbrush" treatment. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub down the sterling silver
5. Store your jewelry in an airtight box, or a jewelry storage bag- like this one.
6. Keep your jewelry away from household cleaning products- (if you’re into cleaning.) Also keep your jewelry away from anything that contains sulfur. Sulfur is a known creator of tarnish.
Handmade sterling silver jewelry is unique and valuable. It can last for many years if it is stored properly and cleaned occasionally.
