Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

So you bought the most amazing piece of sterling silver jewelry a while ago but now it looks like an antique that was gifted to you by your grandmother. That absolutely doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy more jewelry, unless you’re just looking for an excuse to buy more for your accessory collection! Don’t worry, tarnishing is natural, and does not indicate poor craftsmanship or quality. It is the reaction of exposure to elements such as direct sunlight and chemicals such as chlorine or cosmetic materials. When you’re sterling silver jewelry starts to tarnish, there are several things you can do to help clear it up and make it look as though it were new.

Actually, it should be pointed out that you can actually prevent tarnishing in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to wipe it off with a smooth piece of cloth after each wearing. By frequently polishing your sterling silver jewelry with a non-abrasive cloth, you will be able to combat stubborn build-up. By failing to polish your jewelry regularly, it will get harder and harder to remove the tarnish. You can try washing your jewelry with mild dish soap and warm water as an inexpensive and convenient preventative measure; dry thoroughly after cleaning. Many people also swear by the use of lemon juice and water. The acidity of the lemon juice often proves successful in essentially eating through the tarnish and helping to remove chemical build-up. The great part about this remedy is that it’s very inexpensive and easy to do.

Here’s another way to help remove that ugly tarnish, baking soda. All you need to do is take some baking soda and add a little bit of water to form a paste. You will then take that paste and rub it gently on you sterling silver jewelry with a smooth cloth or a toothbrush. Then, rinse the mixture off of your jewelry and dry thoroughly. And while we’re mentioning toothbrushes, you might also consider using toothpaste as another inexpensive option. Again, simply work the toothpaste into a light foam and gently rub the surface of your jewelry.

You will then want to store your jewelry in a nice dry place while you’re not using it; humid environments accelerate tarnishing. Most jewelry boxes are perfect for storing your sterling silver pieces. However, you may also store these items in thick plastic bag with a tight seal.