10 Tips When Caring For Sterling Silver

Silver is a beautiful and affordable type of jewelry to wear. Since silver is such a soft metal it is often mixed with copper and other fine metals to make it more durable, creating sterling silver. This alloy will be susceptible to tarnishing so it is important to keep your jewelry cleaned to maintain its shiny appearance. Here are some tips on how to care for your favorite rings, necklaces and bracelets.

1.) Clean your jewelry with a phosphate free detergent

2.) Use a low abrasive cleaner such as 3M Tarni-Shield Silver Polish

3.) For extremely tarnished jewelry, it is best to have it cleaned by a professional

4.) DO NOT use toothpaste as a polish. Many types of toothpaste contain ingredients that are too abrasive and can cause serious damage to your silver. Make sure you use a polish that is made specifically for polishing.

5.) Clean your jewelry as often as possible to prevent tarnish from developing. Use warm (not hot water) with a gentle phosphate free detergent.

6.) Avoid using rubber gloves when washing your pieces. Rubber is known to corrode many types of metals used in jewelry.

7.) When polishing your silver, rub it with a soft polishing cloth in a straight line back and fourth (not in circles). Avoid scrubbing and let the polish do its job.

8.) Make sure you dry the piece completely after washing it

9.) Store your silver correctly. There are anti-tarnish silver chests that are lined with treated felt, or an anti tarnish cloth. You can also try a vacuum sealer to pack pieces of cleaned silver in. Food saver bags work very well.

10.) Avoid wearing you silver in swimming pools. Chlorine can cause extensive damage in a short period of time.

Sterling Silver Jewelry is a vital addition for any wardrobe. April, the author, hopes you will use these tips to keep your sterling silver necklaces looking beautiful for a lifetime! Check out her links now to find high quality sterling silver fashions for your wardrobe.