So you've discovered your perfect Magpie Gems jewellery and are completely in love with it. Or, you may have come across this blog and become hooked with sterling silver. Regardless of your motivation, you've arrived at the most important question: how do I care for sterling silver jewelry?
Sterling silver is one of the most popular jewelry materials, but it's also one of the most underappreciated. Why? One simple answer is the tarnish.
When oxygen or sulfur comes into contact with sterling silver, it tarnishes the metal. The silver becomes tarnished or discolored as a result of chemical bonding. This is why cleaning your sterling silver jewelry is so important for keeping your standout pieces gleaming and lasting. There are a few things to consider when cleaning sterling silver at home.
Sterling silver is a mixture of metal kinds at its heart. If you're a Magpie Gems jewellery lover, you've probably already noticed the 925 stamp within your earrings, ring, necklace or bracelet clasp. This figure represents the amount of silver in the piece.
Sterling Silver (also known as 925 Silver) is made up of 92.5 percent silver (Ag) and 7.5 percent copper (Cu) (Cu). The 925 will always be the standard for 92.5 percent purity, regardless of the extra 7.5 percent. However, we promise we will never have nickel in our silver, to save you from the allergies and nickel intolerances, saving you from the constant itching and redness or swelling you might get from other cheap jewellery.
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air. Silver should be kept in individual, airtight plastic bags. Bracelets with links or chains should be unclasped or unhooked to avoid scratching. As previously said, humidity can be harmful, so make sure your storage place has a low humidity level.
An airtight and delicate fabric-lined box for individual items is another choice for jewelry storage.
Wearing sterling silver jewelry is one of the greatest methods to keep it from tarnishing. The oils in your skin might really help keep your jewellery clean and gleaming.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN STERLING SILVER AT HOME?
Here are some home solutions for cleaning sterling silver if you don't want to go to the jeweler.
One thing to keep in mind is that silver cleaners aren't suitable for all types of silver jewelry. This means that jewelry containing pearls or opaque gemstones should not be entirely washed in these mixtures because the stones may be damaged.
Wash your silver with running water or a clean, moist towel after using these treatments. Then, using a microfiber cloth, dry the pieces.
Cloth for polishing
When the tarnishing isn't too bad, polishing is the best option. Because silver is readily scratched, it's critical to polish it with a specific silver cloth. Lint-free flannel, microfiber, or a soft, non-abrasive cloth are more options. Paper towels and tissues should be avoided at all costs since they contain fibers that damage silver.
To avoid re-tarnishing the silver, use back-and-forth motions that replicate the pattern of the silver jewelry and switch to different portions of the cloth. Q-tips are always wonderful for those hard-to-reach places.
Water & Soap
When polishing fails to remove the tarnish, use warm water and a light, ammonia- and phosphate-free dishwashing soap. Before trying any of the following procedures, we strongly advise you to try this one first.
Water & Baking Soda
Using baking soda and water, make a paste. On use, add a pea-sized amount of paste to your silver and polish it. Thin your paste with more water if you're cleaning sterling silver with greater detail, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean cracks and crevices.
After that, soak the piece in warm water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Lemon Juice & Olive Oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. After that, soak a small microfiber cloth in the solution. Polish your sterling silver with this cloth, then rinse and dry.
Baking Soda & White Vinegar
If you're wondering how to clean a sterling silver ring, this mixture is a great gentle cleaner for serious tarnish removal. Soak your tarnished jewelry in a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda for 2 to 3 hours. This mixture fizzes, so be careful. Rinse and dry your sterling silver after two to three hours in this solution.
My personal favourite: baking soda, boiling water, salt and aluminium kitchen foil
If the previous doesn't work, mix baking soda, salt, hot water, and foil together to make a chemical solution.
Line a glass, ceramic or porcelain bowl or a glass roasting pan with aluminum foil. The foil should be placed with the dull side down.
Place the jewelry on the foil and pour boiling water over it until it is completely covered. After that, add 2 tbsp salt and 2 tbsp baking soda.
Because granules may damage the metal, stir the fluid to ensure the baking soda dissolves.
Any tarnish on the metal foil will be transferred by the solution. It may only take 5 to 10 minutes for you to notice a significant difference in your jewelry.
Using a colander, drain the solution and rinse the jewelry in warm water before drying with a clean cloth.
We should warn you that the solution has a strong odor but will return the shine to your jewellery. Do not use it for jewellery with pearls, as they get easily scratched!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STERLING SILVER?
Now that you know how to clean sterling silver, here are some of the advantages of wearing these lovely and unique jewellery.
It's hypoallergenic
Nickel is a frequent allergen that causes allergic contact dermatitis. This is caused by coming into contact with an allergen. Dermatitis leaves behind itchy, inflamed skin as well as ugly scabs. Nickel allergy affects more than 18% of people.
That is why sterling silver, in general, and for individuals with sensitive skin in particular, is so enticing. It's 92.5 percent pure silver and won't cause any side effects. As a result, it's an excellent hypoallergenic jewelry choice that doesn't cause contact dermatitis.
It's Long-Lasting
Sterling silver jewelry may last a lifetime if you know how to care for it. These objects are frequently passed down as heirlooms and will retain their appearance for 40 years or more. Investing in 925 sterling silver produces long-lasting daily use jewelry.
It Reduces Inflammation and Boosts Energy
Silver is absorbed through the skin. As a result, it has potent pain-relieving properties once inside the body. This element improves blood circulation while also reducing muscular and tissue discomfort. As a result, frequent symptoms of inflammation and arthritis are addressed.
