Fool Proof Guide on How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Although silver is a beautiful and versatile metal, it can quickly become tarnished and stained. If you’ve ever worn silver jewelry, you know just how quickly a beautiful ring or necklace can turn brown and black.
One question that customers often don’t ask when purchasing their pristine, new accessories is how to clean silver jewelry.
At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we want you to enjoy your silver for years and years, so we put together some helpful hints on how to keep your silver jewelry from looking like it fell down your chimney.
Did you know that at Nelson Coleman Jewelers we’ll clean your jewelry for free? Give us a call at (410) 994-5997 to have a trained member of our staff check and clean your silver jewelry today.
How Do You Clean Silver Jewelry at Home?
It’s best to let an experienced jeweler clean your valuable pieces, but there are some ways that you can clean your jewelry at home without damaging the finish. We’ve listed a few basic tips that will help you keep your bracelets, rings, and earrings looking their best.
Use a Jewelry Cleaning Cloth
If you want to keep your silver jewelry looking like new without damaging the finish with harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers, try using a jewelry cleaning cloth.
Most jewelry cleaning cloths are composed of two parts: an inner cloth containing ingredients that gently remove tarnish, and an outer cloth designed to polish your silver and restore its shine.
You should try to use a clean polishing cloth before and after wearing your jewelry, but don’t keep using the same one over and over again. They collect dust and other particles that can scratch or damage your silver over time. You also don’t want to keep wiping previously removed “crud” back onto your silver jewelry.
Make a Baking Soda Bath
Aluminum and baking soda start a chemical reaction that turn the tarnished outer layer back to its original silver color. For lightly tarnished silver, this baking soda and aluminum bath can make your jewelry look like new:
1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil.
2. In the bowl, dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in two cups of warm water (or just enough to cover your jewelry). Let it sit for about five minutes, stirring the water occasionally.
3. When your silver looks clean, take it out of the solution, rinse it in cool water, and dry with a microfiber towel or piece of flannel. Depending on how tarnished your silver is, you may have to repeat this process a few times to make it look brand new.
General Care and Cleaning Tips
Beware of Ultrasonic Cleaners
If you happen to own an ultrasonic cleaner, do not submerge your silver jewelry in it unless you happen to live with a jeweler. Leave this up to the professionals. Ultrasonic cleaners vibrate and often use harsh jewelry cleaning solutions which can dislodge and damage some gemstones.
You also don’t want to submerge your rhodium plated silver in regular silver jewelry cleaner either. Stick to polishing cloths. Don’t know what I mean? Leave it to the professionals! I recommend speaking to an experienced jeweler to determine which pieces can be safely cleaned by an ultrasonic cleaner.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not wear your silver jewelry in salt water or near harsh chemicals, such as chlorine. This will eat away at the finish. Even store bought silver jewelry cleaner can damage your prized pieces, especially if they have gemstones. Always read the packaging before use to make sure the chemicals are safe to use on your jewelry.
Store Carefully
Silver, although the most brilliant metal, is very soft and tends to scratch easily. Store your silver jewelry items individually to avoid accidental scratching. You can also store your sterling silver and silver jewelry in tarnish preventing bags or in a piece of soft cloth.
Contact Us for Tips on Silver Jewelry Care and for a Complimentary Jewelry Cleaning!
The best way to clean silver jewelry is to bring them to a trained professional, so don’t hesitate to call us or stop in for more tips on how to care for your silver jewelry. Remember, it’s free to have our expert jewelry team check and clean your jewelry.
If you live in Baltimore, Towson, Lutherville, Timonium or the surrounding areas, call us today at (410) 994-5997 or contact us online to ask questions and set up an appointment!
