How to clean silver jewelry – how to care for silver earrings, rings and bracelets?
Want to learn how to restore the flawless look of your favorite accessories? You don't need specialist products - home remedies, regular care and proper storage are enough. Find out how to restore silver jewelry to its former shine!
Why does silver jewelry darken?
A dark coating very often appears on the surface of silver jewellery. There is a belief that this is due to, among other things, the quality of the raw material - but this is not true. The darkening of silver is a natural process that results from the reaction of this metal with sulphur oxide present in the air. As a result, a black coating is created on the surface of the jewellery, and its shine loses its intensity. Other factors also affect dulling. Contact with inappropriate detergents can cause the formation of a deposit, which is why the jewellery cleaning process requires the use of specific and silver-friendly agents.
How to avoid damage while cleaning?
Taking care when removing dirt from delicate jewelry directly affects not only its appearance but also its condition. How to safely care for jewelry? Learn how to clean silver to avoid various types of damage.
How to clean a silver ring?
Cleaning silver rings , whether made of pure silver or with enameled details, such as the models from the Viva Emalia collection, requires gentleness. If a cloth is not enough to reach hard-to-reach places, e.g. in the case of a grooved rim, you can reach for a regular toothbrush with soft bristles. Special care should be taken with silver rings plated with 18-karat gold due to the high risk of scratching the surface.
How to clean silver earrings?
In the case of jewellery, the clasps are a major problem when it comes to cleaning, as they can collect the most dirt. Sometimes a cotton bud works well, especially in the case of small but at the same time sophisticated shapes, a perfect example of which is a single diamond earring from the Atria Gold collection. A proven and safe method of removing dirt from silver jewellery is a combination of water and grey soap – by choosing natural products, you can be sure that they do not contain substances such as sulphur or phosphate.
How to clean a silver bracelet?
Silver bracelets can come in various versions, and are not always made entirely of this precious metal. In the case of models on a string with gold-plated silver details, such as the Moon series pendants, it is worth focusing solely on them, without exposing the nylon itself to potential discoloration or loss of color. It is much easier to remove dirt from a smooth silver bracelet, but if you use a brush or sponge, you can also handle weaves, such as the figaro in the Birthstones collection model.
How to clean a silver chain?
To restore the shine to silver chains, an effective home remedy is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This solution is recommended especially for jewelry with hard-to-reach places. In such a case, you should prepare a solution consisting of a combination of warm water, vinegar and baking soda, and then immerse the jewelry in it for about 15 minutes.
How to clean silver jewelry with stones?
More complex models usually have more nooks and crannies where dirt accumulates. This problem also applies to women's silver rings with natural stones, but it can be solved by using, for example, the aforementioned toothbrush with soft bristles. In addition to the above-mentioned methods of cleaning silver, the specifics of minerals should also be taken into account. You should approach precious stones and their structure with caution. For example, the sapphire in the Moon necklace simply needs to be polished regularly. In such cases, it is worth avoiding chemical preparations and keeping the jewelry in water for a long time. One of the best methods is to use diluted soap that does not contain alcohol - soak the jewelry and then remove the dirt with a brush.
Specialist silver cleaning products
Specialist silver jewelry cleaning agents come in various forms, from emulsions to classic liquids. Their main task is to remove dirt, restore shine, and protect the surface from re-oxidation for a specified period of time, usually several weeks. Some products require the use of a cloth, while others are equipped with necessary cleaning elements, such as a special basket.
In addition to products designed directly to eliminate deposits, you can also purchase protection and care products to comprehensively protect your jewelry. To achieve a satisfactory result and at the same time avoid undesirable consequences, read the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the product.
How to care for silver jewelry on a daily basis?
Detergents, cosmetics and even perfumes can negatively affect the appearance of jewellery, so isolating jewellery and, for example, taking it off when bathing or showering is beneficial to maintaining its impeccable condition. Regularity should be maintained in cleaning and care to prevent oxidation and darkening. Remember also about proper storage - ensure a dry, moisture-free place for jewellery.
The Most Common Mistakes When Cleaning Silver Jewelry
The wrong cleaning method can contribute to the deterioration of the jewelry. Check out the most common mistakes!
Using the wrong cleaning products
Using the wrong cleaning products can be counterproductive. Be careful not only with too strong chemicals, but also with whitening toothpastes, for example – although there is a common belief that this is an effective method, in reality such products contain particles that very often scratch the surface of the jewellery.
Too much cleaning
Intensive scrubbing, especially with objects that do not meet the criteria, e.g. a brush with bristles that are too hard, leads to potential scratches and, in the case of gold-plated silver jewellery, abrasion of the gold layer.
Improper storage after cleaning
Silver accessories should be left to dry after cleaning and only then put away in a box. However, the location of the item in which you intend to store the accessories is also important, so it is worth rejecting the bathroom and other rooms exposed to humid conditions. It often happens that jewelry gets tangled and touches, which can result in scratching the surface. If you have necklaces or beads made of natural stones in your collection, consider getting a special stand or hanger.
