Since ancient times, the natural beauty of silver has made it a desirable material. Even brighter than rhodium and platinum, it has a beautiful shine and is the whitest of all metals. The highly reflective nature of silver explains its use in the manufacture of mirrors.
Although there are many uses for silver, jewelry is one of the most popular. Jewelry designers lovingly craft silver into beautiful designs limited only by the imagination. Both affordable and beautiful silver jewelry can be found in retail stores and on the Internet. Be sure to do your research to ensure you get the best possible price, as you will find a wide range of prices.
Pure silver is extremely soft and malleable. It is mixed with other metals to create jewelry that is not only beautiful but durable enough for everyday wear. The most common of these mixes is an alloy known as sterling silver. Copper is added to the metal to provide durability without affecting its beauty. The only problem with copper is that it tarnishes. Some upkeep is required to keep your jewelry looking its best, but luckily it’s a simple and straightforward process. Once you understand a few simple ins and outs, it will be easy for you to properly care for your silver jewelry.
The following are some suggestions on what to do to keep your 925 sterling jewelry looking its best.
Do wear your jewelry often. Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewelry is one of the easiest ways to keep it clean. It sounds strange, but the more you use it, the less often you’ll have to clean it. Our skin naturally produces oils that help prevent our jewelry from tarnishing. When silver comes into contact with our skin, the oils are transferred to the surface of the silver keeping it shiny for longer. If worn continuously, sterling silver jewelry develops a beautiful appearance called a patina over time. Many jewelry wearers prefer this shiny quality with some darker areas. The patina developed by the silver is considered by many to add character or personality to the piece.
Do Use a specially formulated polish if you don’t prefer the look of silver patina and want a shiny look for your silver jewelry. These polishes are created without abrasives to scratch your parts. Remember that silver has a soft quality and can be easily scratched. There are many polishes that can be found on the market today. They are easy to pay for and easy to use. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results.
Do use polishing cloths. These cloths are specially treated to make your silver jewelry shine without scratching it and contain special chemicals that slow down the tarnishing process. These cloths can be found at jewelry stores and online retailers and can even be found at discount stores near their jewelry departments.
Do Periodically clean your silver jewelry with a mild, phosphate-free soap, such as dishwasher. Gently wash your silver jewelry in lukewarm water. Taking the time to line a glass baking dish with a tea towel or other soft cotton cloth before adding your jewelry will help you avoid accidentally scratching your precious pieces. Dry well with a cotton cloth before storing. If your jewelry is ornately carved or has many facets or angles, be sure to dry hidden or hard-to-reach areas very carefully.
Do Store your silver in a cool, dry place. Use a jewelry storage bag or a separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid any contact with other jewelry, as it can scratch the surface of the silver. If you are going to store your silver jewelry long-term, use an airtight zip-top plastic bag or other airtight container. Keeping air away from silver jewelry will slow down the tarnishing process.
Now for what NOT to do:
Whose Use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. There is some controversy about this, however, experts agree that toothpaste is too abrasive to use on silver and can scratch the surface, diminishing its beauty and value. Using toothpaste to clean silver is common advice, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Whose expose your silver jewelry to harsh chemicals. Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and ammonia are obvious substances to avoid. The sneakiest of shine destroyers are chemicals found in perfumes, hairsprays, and cosmetics. It is best to cover your jewelry or adorn yourself with it after applying your hair and makeup.
Whose Please allow your sterling silver jewelry to sit directly on wooden surfaces as wood often contains acid which can damage the surface of the silver. We are all guilty of placing our jewelry on our dressers or jewelry boxes overnight. Hopefully that is a thing of the past as we now know what it does to our silver jewelry.
With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry will last a lifetime. Now that he knows how to care for his jewelry, he can shop with confidence. Try new looks with silver earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.