| As a jewelry lover, you may know that sterling silver is | | | | Use a low abrasive cleaner to remove some light |
| an affordable and beautiful metal to add to your | | | | tarnish. NEVER USE BLEACH TO CLEAN |
| collection. This metal is extremely versatile for all sorts | | | | JEWELRY. Some people will use toothpaste, but this is |
| of looks, from delicate to bold. With such an affordable | | | | debated since some believe it may be too abrasive. If |
| piece of jewelry, one would think it may not be lasting, | | | | you wear your jewelry continually, sterling silver will |
| but with proper care and cleaning procedures, you can | | | | develop a patina. This is a glow, combined with the |
| maintain your silver jewelry to last a lifetime. | | | | darkened area. Some people prefer this look, but if you |
| WHAT IS SILVER | | | | want the shiny look simply use a silver polish. |
| Silver is a metal that has been used to make jewelry | | | | Another method of cleaning silver of fingerprints, and |
| since ancient times. This is a metal that is smelted from | | | | light grease/dirt is to use mild liquid soap, such as Ivory, |
| ore. Going all the way back to the ancient Byzantine | | | | in a half cup of warm water. Make sure it is |
| civilizations, it is one of the most enduring and versatile | | | | completely dry when finished. |
| metals available. | | | | Ultrasonic cleaners are great when cleaning certain |
| Over the years, silver has been used to make utensils | | | | pieces of jewelry. However, if you have many types |
| (think of silverware), buttons, boxes, and many other | | | | of gemstones use caution when using one of these |
| items. Silver trays and tea sets have been treasured | | | | cleaners. |
| heirlooms through the ages. | | | | If your jewelry has gemstones, you will need to factor |
| This metal is too soft by itself to be used for jewelry, | | | | this into your cleaning methods. Some gemstones are |
| so it is mixed with other metals to make it durable. | | | | soft, and can have the polish on the stone harmed. |
| When mixed with an alloy, it is known as sterling silver. | | | | General rules to remember for cleaning gemstones: |
| In order to protect consumers, the Federal Trade | | | | *Do not use toothpaste, especially for amber, lapis, and |
| Commission requires that in order to be sold as sterling | | | | turquoise. The abrasive nature of toothpaste scratch |
| silver/solid silver/sterling, that at least 92.5% of the | | | | the surface. While many recommend toothpaste as a |
| product must be pure silver. | | | | cleaner, it is not recommended by professional |
| One of the popular alloys used to balance sterling and | | | | jewelers. Do not use it for soft stones at all. |
| add hardness is copper. This will tend to cause | | | | *Opals are a very delicate stone. Avoid chemicals, and |
| darkening, or tarnishing, or silver. Because of this, there | | | | even heat. Strong sunlight can also dry opals. This will |
| are special things you need to do to keep your silver | | | | cause hazing and color change in your gemstones. |
| looking its best. | | | | *Pearls are also delicate. Take extra care to protect |
| STORAGE | | | | these from other gemstones that can scratch them, |
| When storing your silver jewelry, it is best to use cloths | | | | as well as common chemicals. These will wear away |
| or bags treated with a tarnish preventative. This keeps | | | | the surface "nacra" which will cause color changes. |
| the jewelry from rubbing against other pieces, which | | | | When using an ultrasonic cleaner, you run the risk of |
| will avoid scratching it. It is best to story your silver in a | | | | losing stones from the high speed cleaning. Make sure |
| cool, dry place. It is best preserved away from any | | | | to use this method carefully with the correct stones, |
| light - sunlight, or artificial light. | | | | and NEVER with pearls or opals. |
| To extend the beauty of your silver jewelry you can | | | | The most important thing to do with your silver jewelry |
| also choose to apply a thin coat of Egyptian lacquer to | | | | is to enjoy it. Once you have gone through the trouble |
| your pieces. This will help prevent your sterling silver | | | | to select and protect these beautiful pieces, don't |
| from premature tarnishing. Also, don't expose your | | | | forget to wear it. The many choices in silver jewelry, |
| pieces to chlorinated water/bleach. | | | | including necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets make |
| If left in the air, the jewelry will react to the hydrogen | | | | silver a perfect choice for gifts. Give one for a friend, |
| sulfide and sulfur in the air. This will cause a build up | | | | and some for yourself. With this wonderful metal, you |
| that will make the jewelry look dull. This makes the | | | | get beauty, affordability, and easy care for years of |
| jewelry lose its natural sheen. | | | | beauty. Start a collection for your heirloom items to |
| CLEANING | | | | pass down with quality silver jewelry. |