Tips to Care for Silver Jewelry

Silver is one of the most popular metals for jewelry and adornments. Depending on the gems and the way it is worked, silver jewelry can be warm and lustrous or cool and glowing. The metal is soft and malleable enough to shape and bend into fanciful forms, making it ideal for creating things like silver barrettes and hair clips which are not often made in other precious metals. Silver jewelry doesn’t require much in the way of special care, but the right care can preserve its beauty so that you enjoy it for many years.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry

The single most important thing you can do to keep your silver rings and other jewelry beautiful and untarnished is to wear it. Tarnish is the result of oxidation, a chemical process that discolors and damages fine silver and sterling silver. Wearing and handling your silver jewelry protects it from tarnish. The natural oils from your skin will only make your silver chains and silver bracelets more lustrous and beautiful as the years go on.

Store Silver Jewelry Properly

Silver is a soft metal that scratches and dents easily. When you’re not wearing your silver jewelry, store each piece in a separate compartment or bag to keep it from being scratched or marred by other pieces in your jewelry box. Some jewelry boxes are lined with tarnish-free materials to prevent oxidation, but it’s usually enough to wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth or store each piece in a small plastic or fabric bag.

Clean with a Silver Cloth

Special silver cleaning cloths will keep your silver jewelry looking pristine and new. Originally developed for household silver, polishing clothes are impregnated with chemicals that clean away oils and dirt without damaging the metal or destroying the finish. Give your silver bracelets and silver barrettes a wipe with a silver polishing cloth before you put them away to remove any oils from them.

Avoid Chlorine and Other Minerals and Chemicals

Chlorine, bleach and harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your silver jewelry. Remove your silver rings when washing dishes, and don’t shower wearing your silver chains and silver necklaces or earrings. Likewise, don’t use advertised “jewelry dips” to clean your silver jewelry, even those that say they are safe for silver. Far too often, the chemicals strip away the protective finish and will discolor and damage your jewelry.

Visit a Jeweler

About once a year, take your jewelry to a professional for a once-over. A professional jeweler can tighten findings and catches and do routine maintenance to keep your silver jewelry in good repair.