Sterling silver jewellery – the one thing that can steal your heart right at the first sight. Between its brilliance, its lustre and its versatility, it is simple to see why silver jewellery is such a hot favourite.
But a majority of us end up neglecting the silver pieces for a simple reason – the irritating tarnishing of the same. When the oxygen in the air comes in contact with silver, they bond chemically to the surface and make the silver appear discoloured or dirty.
Fortunately, caring for the silver and reducing the tarnish is simple enough task. All you need to do is arm yourself with some of the vital facts and you are good to go.
Here is the ultimate guide to help you restore your silver possessions with all the shine. Take a look.
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Prevent Tarnish – Knowledge is the key here. If you know what causes harm to your silver, you will be able to prevent the tarnish.
a) Wear It Frequently– Believe it or not, the natural oils of your skin will help in keeping your silver shiny. The simplest way for preventing tarnish is to put the silver on instead of letting sit in the jewellery box.
b) Do Away with Household Chores – Ingredients with added sulphur like chlorinated water, household cleaners, rubber and perspirations will speed up the tarnish and corrosion. So it is advisable to do away with the silver sterling completely prior to committing your household chores.
c) Keep the Direct Sunlight –Prior to hitting the pool or beach, ensure that you get rid of your silver jewellery. Sunlight can lead to the tarnishing of the silver.
d) Put the Jewellery – Women, for generations, have been putting their jewellery on, at the end of putting up all the makeup, lotions, perfumes, hair spray which will accelerate the tarnishes.
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Clean the Silver Jewellery – There are innumerable at-home methods for cleaning the silver jewellery. Here some of them are enlisted –
a) Water & Soap – This is the most proposed method because of the tenderness of water and soap. This must be the first thing that needs to be done prior to trying anything else.
b) Water & Baking Soda – If you are suggested to use the toothpaste it is recommended you ignore that and use water and baking soda instead. If the toothpastes are simple non-gel or non-whitening, they could be used on the jewellery. Nevertheless, they include more ingredients that can damage the silver. Instead you should make a mixture from water and baking soda, apply a smaller amount onto a toothbrush or cloth and scrub gently.
c) Baking Soda and White Vinegar – This gentle method of cleaning is great for eliminating severe tarnish. Take half a cup of vinegar (white) and soak the silver sterling in it. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda (mix these in the sink and prepare for the foam and fizzing) for a couple of hours. Then after rinsing the jewellery pat them dry.
d) Go for a Polish at Last -After cleaning the jewellery, you can finish the procedure by using a polishing material that is specifically made for the silver jewellery.
This process can be repeated time and again. Keep in mind, the key to keeping the silver clean is to clean the jewellery regularly for removing the tarnish as it is formed. Your task will be challenging if you let the tarnish accumulate and then start with the cleaning process.
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Store the Sterling Silver – Proper storage of sterling silver goes a long way towards the preservation of the shine and prevention of the oxidation. This can cause discolouration and dullness. Here are some quick tips for the storage of sterling silver.
a) For preventing scratches, every piece should be stored (in this case) compartment or pouch.
b) Ensure to store the silver in a cool, dry place. In the hot climates, it must be kept in the room that is air-conditioned.
c) Avoid keeping the jewellery boxes in the bathrooms, as the warm, moist air can compromise the brilliance of the jewellery.
d) For the best results, keep the silver jewellery in a case lined with the tarnish-resistant matter.
e) If you are storing the silver piece for an extended period, try sealing it in the airtight bag (plastic works great) for protecting from humidity and oxidation.
Now that you know how to prevent tarnish, clean or store your silver sterling, purchase your favourite silver handcrafted jewellery online and flaunt it like a queen the moment you step out of your home.
