Sterling silver is widely popular among many collectors and jewellery connoisseurs. It has a beautiful, reflective surface. It is much easier to care for than other metals such as gold, and a big part of the reason so many people love sterling silver jewellery is that the silver is polished to a high sheen. Though many silver pieces have a brushed finish nowadays, the eye-catching reflective shine is a big characteristic of sterling silver.
Now, the question is, how do you keep your sterling silver looking great?
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver can tarnish because of the small fraction of metal alloys that make it up. It’s a natural process that can occur when it’s exposed to various elements. When the silver tarnishes, it could be heartbreaking, especially if you spent a lot of money on it.
But, there are ways you can keep the tarnish from getting out of control. You can even cut back on the tarnish on your sterling silver jewellery. Here's how you can do that:
Never Clean It with Toothpaste
A lot of people make the mistake of using toothpaste to clean their sterling silver jewellery, and the results can be disastrous. Toothpaste contains a chemical called fluoride, and when it comes in contact with silver, it causes a chemical reaction. It can make the tarnishing worse for your accessories. It’s best to just let toothpaste clean your teeth, not your precious silver jewellery.
Avoid a Strong Chemical Cleaner
When cleaning your sterling silver, you shouldn’t be using strong chemicals on it. Doing so can damage your piece or become a health hazard.
A common ingredient used in cleaning solutions is ammonia. While this can do a great job at removing tarnish, it will also remove the protective layer on your silver, causing it to tarnish even faster than before.
You shouldn't be using toxic cleaners either. While they can be very effective at removing the tarnish, they pose a bigger risk to your health than the tarnish itself.
To clean sterling silver jewellery, you need a sterling silver polish specifically made for the job. Otherwise, you can use a silver polishing cloth, to gently wipe your pieces.
How to Prevent Tarnish and Scratches from Occurring
Preventing tarnish and scratches in sterling silver jewellery is easy to do. You can do it by storing your jewellery in the right place. When you take off your piece, be sure you put it in a secure and dry place so that it won't get scratched or tarnished.
Another thing you can do is clean your jewellery more often. When you tend to it regularly, it will stay cleaner for longer. It can save you a lot of trouble in the long run, as regular maintenance can prevent damage and stains from piling up.
If you keep your sterling silver jewellery clean, you can protect it from a lot of damage and make it last for many years to come!
Conclusion
Silver sterling jewellery is a good investment. It is well-made, aesthetically pleasing, and comes in various price ranges. With proper care, you can keep your sterling silver jewellery looking shiny and new. With the tips provided in this article, you can keep your pieces polished, smooth, and looking brand new for many years to come!
Buying quality silver jewellery in Australia is the first step to it all. If you are looking for refined and rugged silver rings and other silver accessories, Rawninety has many options. Our jewellery line exists at the crossroad between modern technique and raw art. Browse our collection today.