Jewelry isn't just a beautiful addition to our outfit; it's often a symbol and memento of an important day or a loved one, so caring for it comes naturally. That's why we're sharing safe ways to keep your jewelry in pristine condition. We'll focus on silver jewelry and present a few ways to clean it.
Cleaning Silver
We feel compelled to state clearly from the outset that discoloration of silver jewelry, especially blackening of silver, is a completely natural process and in no way indicates poor quality. Silver, as a metal, has its own chemical properties, so it naturally reacts with other substances. Silver most often reacts with hydrogen sulfide, creating a black silver sulfide coating, which affects the appearance and impression we make. The good news is that silver jewelry can be easily cleaned at home.
How to clean silver?
Silver jewelry that has darkened and lost its luster can be easily cleaned using products you probably already have at home. You can use table salt, baking soda, or toothpaste to clean silver. Aluminum foil, water, and vinegar will also be helpful in this process. As a precaution, we advise you to test the cleaning agent on a small, preferably inconspicuous, area of the jewelry before the actual cleaning process to see how it reacts. This is a natural precaution we always recommend, so you don't regret it later.
How to clean silver?
Carefully and gently, using common sense, follow these rules, and your jewelry will undoubtedly be beautiful and shiny. Remember not to rub your jewelry and to use it sparingly. Choose a delicate microfiber cloth and a soft-bristled brush. Sometimes, overzealousness and excessive care can be deceiving. Be sure not only to clean your jewelry impeccably but also to avoid scratching it. Treat jewelry decorated with stones with particular care; some stones are particularly sensitive to liquids and cleaning agents. While a certain product may not harm the silver, it may negatively affect the stone's appearance and dull it.
Furthermore, when cleaning silver with additional decorations, such as those glued on, be very careful. Do not soak it for too long, as the glue used in the jewelry construction can also react and lose its binding properties.
How to clean a silver chain?
Some jewelry pieces can be particularly difficult to clean thoroughly and remove silver buildup. This is due to the jewelry's construction or design. Experience tells us that this is often a problem when trying to clean a silver chain. Depending on the size of the chain and the weave, this process can vary in difficulty. We recommend soaking the chain in a solution of salt and water and letting it soak for a while. Then, rinse the chain thoroughly under running water and gently dry it with a soft cloth. If this method doesn't work as well as you'd like and residue remains in some hard-to-reach areas, try cleaning your silver with baking soda. Use a little water and a pinch of baking soda to create a paste. Then, using a soft (this is important) toothbrush, apply the paste to hard-to-reach areas and gently brush the chain. Rinse the chain again and gently dry it.
Cleaning Silver with Aluminum Foil
You can also clean silver with aluminum foil, but be careful not to use it on silver jewelry. Cleaning silver can be a great way to practice chemistry. This method of cleaning silver works because an electrochemical reaction occurs, which will help remove tarnish from silver jewelry. Place the foil in a glass container and ensure the jewelry is touching the aluminum surface. Then, pour a solution of water and baking soda or salt and vinegar over the tarnished jewelry. This will create an electrochemical reaction that will help remove tarnish from silver jewelry and restore its former shine.
Cleaning Silver at Home
If you need more information on this topic, we recommend another post where we offer tips on how to clean silver and gold at home. You can also find videos on our Instagram showing you exactly how to perform the entire process.