How to Clean Silver Jewelry?

All that glitters is not gold – it can be silver too. It’s just as crucial to take care of your silver jewelry as it is your gold pieces. While silver may be a harder and more durable metal than gold, this does not make it immune to damage and discoloration. Silver, including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and any other pieces made of silver, is still very much susceptible to scratches and tarnish, which can be caused by both frequent and intermittent use, as well as from inadequate and infrequent care.

Cleaning your jewelry does not have to be a long, arduous, and complicated process. In fact, the simpler and more straightforward, the better it is because this will ensure that you’re able to perform the cleaning process with regularity. When it comes to cleaning most types of silver jewelry, there are a few methods that you can employ.

The regular use of your silver jewelry, such as your silver rings and silver bracelets, can help them keep their shine. However, this also exposes them to more dirt and makes them vulnerable to scratches. On the other hand, keeping your silver jewelry locked and stored in your jewelry box will also make them highly susceptible to discoloration and tarnish. The best thing you can do is to wear your jewelry as much as it pleases you and to clean them as often as possible.
An easy way to clean your silver jewelry is by using a mixture of two parts baking soda and one-part warm water. Gently rub your jewelry with the mixture. Let the baking soda and water mixture dry on your jewelry to remove the tarnish. When the mixture has tried, rinse your jewelry with water, making sure to remove all the residue. You will also want to ensure that you rinse your jewelry in a bowl of water rather than under running water to prevent it from falling down the drain of your sink. Once its rinsed thoroughly, dry your jewelry using a microfiber towel or a soft cloth. Avoid using a paper towel or any rough material that can scratch your jewelry.

In the event that you don’t have baking soda on hand, two other options are available to you. You can use a mixture of water and cornstarch to similarly rub on your jewelry. Alternatively, you can let your jewelry sit in a solution on water and dish soap. Either cleaning method will work well on most types of silver jewelry. Silver necklaces, bracelets and rings, which are often exposed to lotions, alcohol, perfume, sweat, and other substances, and are likewise more prone to tarnish, may need a more thorough cleaning. In such cases, you’ll need to employ aluminum foil in cleaning.

Cover the surface of a bowl with aluminum foil and pour boiling water into it. Stir in two teaspoons of kosher salt and one fourth cup baking soda into the boiling water until bubbles appear. Carefully place your jewelry into the solution, ensuring that your jewelry does not hit one another and remains within the aluminum foil, not touching the bowl. Leave your jewelry in the solution. After approximately five minutes, you may remove your jewelry and dry it with a soft cloth. If you have silver jewelry with designs that features crevices or hard to reach areas, you may use a toothbrush with soft bristles or a toothpick with the tip covered in cotton in order to thorough clean them. It is also crucial to note if your silver jewelry is crafted with any other metals or if its design features precious or semi-precious stones. While diamonds and most precious stones can be cleaned with soap and water, others are more sensitive. You will also want to bear in mind that baking soda may scratch softer metals such as gold. In these cases, it is best to consult with a professional before cleaning.

Regardless of the actual value of various pieces of jewelry, whether it be a personalized silver necklace or a silver statement ring, there is no doubt that they continuously incur sentimental value. As such, it’s paramount that one cleans and cares for them in order to ensure that they stand the test of time.