Silver Jewelry Care

Silver is a beautiful metal that out shines most jewelry any day. But sadly it easily develops a black tarnish. When silver is exposed to the outside a chemical reaction occurs causing the unsightly tarnish. The more moist the climate, the faster it tarnishes.

Don't worry though. With the proper care your silver can last more than a lifetime. Plus it's easy to do.

Silver scratches and pits easily. The best way to clean your silver is with a non abrasive paste or liquid polish cleaner. You can find silver polish cleaners in your grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy or jewelry store. You'll find two types of silver polish cleaner. One you need to apply and let dry and remove with a cloth. The other is applied than washed off. The one you wash off is the least abrasive making it your best choice. Some silver polish cleaners also provide anti-tarnish protection.

Polish and clean your silver with 100% cotton lint-free cloth or balls. Other fabric are made with abrasive compounds that can produce in scratches. Only use a horse hair brush to remove grime from intricate designs. Handle your silver wearing cotton gloves to keep fingerprints off you new shiny surface.

Other types of cleaning methods exist. The most common is Chemical Dips and Electrochemical. Chemical dip contains acids and accelerates the tarnish removal. The corrosive nature of acid can damage and pit your silver. You should only use chemical dips for severely tarnish silver that won't clean up with polish. The aluminum plate used in electrochemical cleaning can also scratch and pit your silver. It will also cause your silver to tarnish quicker. Neither method is recommended.

Try these simple tips to reduce silver tarnish. Store each silver item individually inside a polyethylene bag. Extra protection, wrap them in sulfur free archive tissue. Absorb moisture and harmful pollutants by placing bagged silica gel and active charcoal or Anti Tarnish strips with the stored silver.

Never put your silver in the dishwasher. The harsh dish detergent and high water temperatures are too abrasive for your prized sterling silver. This includes silver plated items too. Always wash your silver by hand and dry with a cotton dish towel.

Remember... give your silver regular care and you'll have those heirloom treasure for future generations to enjoy.