At UnderArt Gallery, we take pride in crafting exquisite jewelry from 925 sterling silver. This remarkable material consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of a sturdy alloy, typically copper or zinc, ensuring the jewelry’s strength and durability. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of keeping your sterling silver pieces looking as good as new. But first, let’s understand why silver tarnishes.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Tarnishing occurs as the alloys in silver react to moisture and sulfur present in the air. This reaction leads to the gradual color change of sterling silver. Factors like high humidity, air pollution, and exposure to chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, or bleach can accelerate this tarnishing process.
Caring for Your Sterling Silver Jewelry:
To ensure your precious silver jewelry retains its lustrous shine, follow these simple tips:
Invest in a Silver Polishing Cloth: Keep a special silver polishing cloth on hand for quick touch-ups. We recommend polishing in a back-and-forth motion that follows the silver’s grain to prevent scratch highlighting.
Gentle Soap and Water Cleaning: Clean your silver jewelry with a mild soap and water solution, ensuring that the water beads up. Afterward, pat it dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, consider using a cleaner specifically designed for silver jewelry. However, exercise caution and avoid using dips if your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, as these can be too harsh and potentially damage the stones.
Proper Storage: Store your silver pieces in a cool, dry place, ideally within tarnish-preventive bags or wrapped in soft felt or cloth. Ensure they are not exposed to air and light during storage, as this can lead to tarnishing.
Individual Storage: Store each piece separately to prevent them from knocking together and causing scratches.
Avoid Harsh Conditions: Refrain from wearing sterling silver in chlorinated water or while handling household chemicals. Excessive perspiration can also accelerate tarnishing. It’s advisable to remove your jewelry when engaging in household chores, swimming, sunbathing, showering, or participating in sports or other active activities.
By following these care instructions, you’ll keep your sterling silver jewelry happy and shining for years to come. At UnderArt Gallery, we want your cherished pieces to radiate their timeless beauty, and these tips will help you achieve just that.