How To Clean Sterling Silver, Necklaces, Rings And Earrings?

Sterling silver jewelry like necklaces, rings and earrings is precious. As such it must be maintained and cared for the right way. This guide explains how to keep your jewelry clean without damaging it. 

Have you recently purchased some beautiful sterling silver jewelry at a great price from JCunicorn? Regardless of whether you have purchased sterling silver rings, a necklace or bracelets you might be interested in how to keep it looking gorgeous. Sterling silver is one of the most popular types of jewelry due to its minimal aesthetic and timeless appeal. However, it’s also one of the most neglected. 

The simple reason for this is tarnishing. If sterling silver is exposed to oxygen and sulfur then it will become tarnished. Slowly but surely the jewelry will begin to look discolored and dirty. You won’t even want to wear it anymore. 

That’s why cleaning your jewelry the right way is crucial. With the best cleaning practices your sterling silver jewelry necklaces, rings and earrings will stay stunning and keep their sparkle. Here are some tips on how to clean each type without risking damage.  

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Typically, sterling silver jewelry will be 7.5% copper. It is the copper that reacts to salt, oxygen and moisture, causing discoloration over time.  

Can You Prevent Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnishing?

 There are steps you can take to avoid tarnishing your jewelry. For instance, you should make sure that you wipe down your jewelry when you put it away and ensure it is completely dry. 

 The more you wear your jewelry, the less likely it is to tarnish as the natural oils on your skin will keep it clean. 

 Certain products are likely to tarnish your jewelry. This includes:

• Substances containing sulfur such as mayonnaise, eggs, onions, latex, and wool
• Household chemicals like cleaning supplies - take off your jewelry before you wash the dishes
• Cosmetics - be careful of different hair products and perfumes 
• Humidity and sunlight - try to avoid wearing your jewelry in the heat of the day

Now let’s look at the best way to clean sterling silver items. 

Cleaning Sterling Silver Rings

There are lots of natural remedies that people swear by to clean sterling silver rings. You can use good old-fashioned soap and water. This is an option worth considering with ammonia and phosphate-free dishwashing soap. 

It’s advisable to try this option with any sterling silver jewelry you own before any others because it avoids the risk of damaging other parts of a jewelry item such as the stone. 

If soap and water aren’t enough to get rid of stubborn signs of tarnish, then consider using baking soda instead of soap. You only need a tiny pea-sized amount of the paste created from the baking soda. You can then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure that you are reaching all the different areas of the ring or necklace. 

Cleaning A Sterling Silver Necklace

If you notice tarnish on your sterling silver necklace, then you can try oil and lemon juice. For this option, you’ll need a ½ cup of lemon juice with just 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a microfiber cloth, you can clean all the different parts of the item. 

Do note that this process will work well with any sterling silver bracelets that you might own as well. 

Cleaning Sterling Silver Earrings 

You can mix white vinegar and baking soda to clean sterling silver earrings. This is recommended for sterling silver earrings because it provides a gentle cleaning option that is still ideal for removing heavy levels of tarnish. 

You can soak your jewelry in ½ cup of white vinegar mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. It’s important to be aware that this particular solution fizzes. You should keep your earrings in it for about two or three hours for the best results. 

Finishing Touches

Regardless of which solution you use, you do need to make sure that you are washing your silver afterwards. You should run water over it and then wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. You’ll then need to dry it carefully before storing it. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways that you can clean sterling silver jewelry and remove any signs of tarnish. Remember, if the tarnish isn’t too severe a polishing cloth might be all you need. You must use a special silver polishing cloth because sterling silver can scratch far too easily. Paper towels and tissues must be avoided at all costs because the fibers they include can damage the aesthetic of the silver. You’ll also need to carefully switch to different areas of the cloth to avoid re-tarnishing the silver. 

Or, if this sounds like a lot of effort, taking your jewelry to an expert can deliver fantastic results and guarantee that your sterling silver items are returned to you as good as new.