When you start using silver jewellery quite often, a black tarnish on the surface can just make you feel, well, not so happy. But, don’t worry! you shouldn’t feel low because you can still restore its beauty. There are several ways to clean silver jewellery that can just be useful to retain its shiny appearance. These methods will make the ornaments shine brightly for a long term.
As you read along, you will know about ways to clean silver jewellery and maintain them.
Why do you notice the Black Tarnish?
When you wear silver jewellery frequently, the metal can tarnish primarily due to the chemical reaction with sulfur compounds. Silver comes in contact with sulphur compounds, and it undergoes a reaction to form silver sulfide (Ag2S). This compound is easily visible on the jewellery’s surface. On the other hand, oxygen and moisture can ruin the overall appearance of silver. Tarnishing is also accelerated by humidity and warmth.
In addition to the reaction with air, silver jewellery can also get ruined when it comes in contact with the skin. As beads of sweat trickle down on your skin, amino acids and sulphur can ruin the ornament’s surface. This can ultimately lead to discoloration when you’re wearing the ornaments for a long time.
Hence, to maintain the ornaments, you will have to clean the jewellery pieces on a weekly basis. Keeping the ornaments inside a box can also prevent them from getting exposed to air.
How to Maintain Silver Jewellery?
Maintaining silver jewellery can help it retain its beauty for a long time. So, let’s check some tips to consider for maintaining silver ornaments.
Storage
While you’re storing silver jewellery, make sure to keep it in a cool and dry place. You also have to consider storing the ornaments away from sunlight and in a humid area. Using an airtight container or a pouch can also help to maintain the luster of silver jewellery. But don’t forget to add silica gel packets so that it absorbs moisture.
Be careful while handling
Whenever you’re wearing silver jewellery, you should use it with care. Always hold the ornaments along the edges to minimize fingerprints. Besides, you must also remove jewellery when you indulge in rigorous outdoor activities. This is to prevent any tarnishing that may be caused due to the humid weather.
Professional maintenance
If you’re facing difficulty in cleaning intricately designed jewellery, then you can always consider approaching an expert. They use techniques to remove tarnish that's been settled on the jewellery for a while.
Inspect regularly
Regularly used silver jewellery tends to get tarnished more often. So, when you inspect the jewellery periodically it can help to prevent deterioration. In case the jewellery is studded with gemstones, then we recommend cleaning it gently.
How Often to Clean Silver Jewellery?
Well, there’s no fixed time to clean silver jewellery. But, once you notice the black tarnish, here are the guidelines you must follow.
Regular Wear
If you have been wearing silver jewellery on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to clean it after 1 or 2 months. This will help in maintaining the appearance and prevent tarnish buildup. But, if you’re wearing silver jewellery occasionally, then it’s fine if you clean after every 3 to 6 months.
Environment
When the air is quite damp in the region where you’re living, then silver jewellery will tend to get ruined quickly. So, in such cases, there’s no other option apart from cleaning it more often. You can consider cleaning the jewellery pieces after every 4 to 6 weeks.
Storage
The instances of cleaning silver jewellery can also be influenced due to storage. But, as soon as you keep silver jewellery aside after an occasion, ensure to store it in a zip-lock pouch. This will prevent the silver jewellery from coming in contact with moisture and air when it’s not in use.
Now, that you know when you have to clean silver jewellery, you could follow simple ways to keep jewellery clean.
Simple Methods to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home
You don’t have to be a pro to clean silver jewellery, it’s quite easy to clean and can be done at home. You simply have to follow some methods for cleaning the jewellery.
Paste of Baking Soda and Water
In this method, you first have to mix baking soda and water and make a thick paste. Once the paste is formed, you have to apply it on the silver jewellery and gently rub the surface in circular motion with a brush and leave it in.A few minutes later, you have to rinse the jewellery under cold water and polish it using a soft cloth.
Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Bath
Silver jewellery can also be cleaned with ease using an Aluminium foil and baking soda. Once you place the foil on a dish with the shiny side up, place the jewellery in the dish. Now, take a teaspoon of baking soda in the dish and pour some hot water. Later, you have to keep the dish aside for a few minutes, and rinse the jewellery under water. Towards the end, you have to polish the jewellery using a soft cloth.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak
When you use baking soda and vinegar, mix ½ cup of vinegar with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Afterward, you should pour some hot water and place the silver jewellery. Make sure that the ornaments are completely submerged. Let the jewellery rest for a few hours and finally rinse it with water. Now, wipe the jewellery dry with a soft cloth.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Polish
Besides, silver jewellery can also be cleaned with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. Soon after you prepare the mixture, place the jewellery for some time. At this instance, you should ensure that the jewellery is completely submerged in the bowl. After soaking it for a few hours, you must rinse the jewellery with water and eventually polish it with a soft cloth.
Finally, cleaning silver jewellery with any one of these methods can give incredible results. But, before you start cleaning silver jewellery, ensure that you aren’t using abrasive chemicals. These can ruin silver and the jewellery’s visual appearance. You should also remember to use a cleaning brush that’s meant for silver jewellery. After cleaning the ornaments, ensure that the ornaments are completely wiped with a soft cloth. And there you go, clean and clear silver jewellery to amp up your look in no minute!
