Knowing how to care for and protect your silver jewelry can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping them sparkling for generations to come. Owning beautiful silver jewelry is as essential as keeping them clean. Follow these steps to ensure your beautiful jewelry lasts a lifetime and make them shine bright like new!
1. Clean your jewelry before storing:
Sweat tends to play spoilsport because it brings in moisture and could cause tarnishing. Therefore, it is very important that before storing, you wipe off all the sweat from the jewelry pieces and store them in concealed boxes.
2. Use anti-tarnish paper or cloth:
A great way to store your precious silver jewelry is to wrap the pieces with a soft cloth (like muslin) to retain the shine and prevent discoloring. You could also use anti-tarnish paper or tissue paper to wrap each piece of jewelry. Never wrap them in the newspaper.
3. Airtight boxes:
Store your silver jewelry in an airtight box or anti-tarnishing wooden box to preserve it for a longer time. Never store them in uncoated wooden boxes because that will cause them to lose color or shine.
4. Silica gel or activated charcoal:
Get your hands on small sachets of silica gel or some activated charcoal and store them inside the box along with your silver jewelry. They work wonders in absorbing moisture and thereby prevents tarnishing.
5. Know When To Take Off Your Jewelry:
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Don’t take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry! Take them off when you’re doing the following things to maintain their shine –
● Household chores, such as dishes, laundry, and when using cleaning supplies
● When exercising, at the gym, or playing contact sports
● When showering or bathing
● Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas
● Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool)
● When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products, perfume)
● Preparing, cooking, or eating foods that contain sulfur (this includes eggs and mayonnaise).
● Outside chores or tasks, such as gardening