How to clean your silver jewelry ?

WHAT PRODUCTS TO USE TO CLEAN SILVER JEWELRY ?

To clean silver jewelry, there are a multitude of solutions, based on products specially designed for this purpose or products you have at home. By rinsing or lightly rubbing, we can find jewelry almost like new.

Chamois for silverware

To restore the splendor of your silver jewelry, you can use specific chamois. In their classic version, they are simply small cloths, the texture of which allows you to clean and shine without risk of scratching.

If that's not enough, you can also opt for a chamois cloth impregnated with a solution that makes cleaning even easier. All you have to do is rub your jewelry or silverware dry with the chamois, and you will see the oxidation disappear. If necessary, when the stains are stubborn, dampen part of the cloth before cleaning.

The silver stone

Its name is misleading: silver stone is not made of silver and its main purpose is not cleaning silverware. However, this white clay-based powder is effective for cleaning earrings, a necklace or even a silver ring.

Simply mix a small amount with warm water, then apply the mixture to the jewelry. Rub gently with a soft cloth to remove impurities, then rinse with clean water.

White vinegar

An essential household product, white vinegar is one of the tips for restoring the shine to silver jewelry. Its action will allow traces of oxidation to be easily removed: place the jewelry to be washed in a container filled with white vinegar, then leave to soak. After one to two hours, take them out, then wipe them with a soft cloth.

Baking soda

Another natural solution with multiple actions allows you to clean silver: baking soda. Be careful, you should not rub your silver jewelry directly with the powder, as this risks scratching it. Instead, it is advisable to soak the jewelry in a container with water and baking soda, mixing these two ingredients well. Then use a very soft toothbrush to scrub gently. A pass with clean water to rinse, a wipe with a dry cloth, and voilà: your jewelry comes out stain-free!

You can use the same technique with Meudon white.

Aluminum foil

With aluminum foil, you have two options for cleaning your silver jewelry:

 

• Immerse the jewelry in salt water for 20 seconds, then place it in aluminum foil, closing tightly, for a few minutes. Then wipe with a soft cloth.
• Arrange coarse salt on a sheet of aluminum foil, then wrap the jewelry inside. Then place everything to boil for around ten minutes, and dry with a soft cloth.

The combination of aluminum foil and coarse salt is one of grandmothers' tricks, which they used to clean and shine their silverware.

Toothpaste

Don't start scrubbing your silver ring vigorously with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothpaste has a polishing action, which allows you to wash silver jewelry, but you must proceed delicately. So use a dab of toothpaste, and especially a toothbrush with very soft bristles, then gently rub the jewelry. You will then have to rinse to find a pretty piece of jewelry, without traces of oxidation.

Fireplace ashes

Long used for laundry, ashes also have a cleaning power on silverware and jewelry. After collecting and sifting the ashes, to recover only a fine powder (and above all without any residue), you apply a little to a toothbrush. Then rub the object gently, then rinse with clean water.

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH YOUR SILVER JEWELRY AND SILVERWARE ?

With all the previous advice, you can easily find the right solution to restore any silver jewelry's shine. But be careful, sterling silver also has its weaknesses, and there are certain products and methods to avoid if you do not want to scratch your jewelry.

Use a medium or hard toothbrush

Even when oxidation has strongly attacked the jewelry, it is strongly recommended not to rub silver vigorously. This is why you should only use gentle cleaning utensils, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush, a cotton swab, a chamois or a microfiber cloth. Toothbrushes with hard or medium bristles, scrubbing brushes, the green side of the sponge, etc. are prohibited.

Using chemicals

In stores, you can find products that promise to restore shine to silverware and silver jewelry in a few seconds and without rubbing. First, these promises are in some cases false. Then, a chemical may temporarily restore shine to your favorite silver ring or inherited bracelet. But this is often due to the corrosive action, which strips more than it cleans. Result: oxidation returns more quickly, and it’s a vicious circle.

Don't pay attention to precious stones

Sterling silver is sometimes combined with precious stones to make jewelry. In this case, we can only advise you not to soak them in any product before seeking jewelry advice. Each precious stone has its own particularities and must be maintained with care and with suitable products to maintain its beauty.

HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR SILVER JEWELRY ?

To avoid frequent cleaning of silver jewelry, there are a few tips! Like any object, their lifespan is indeed preserved when we take care of them.

Apply a layer of rhodium

Rhodium plating of silver consists of applying a layer of rhodium to the surface of the material, so as to protect it from the risk of oxidation and to give it luster and shine. This is therefore a good solution for keeping silver jewelry beautiful for longer. 

But rhodium is not a miracle product: over time, friction, shock, etc. deteriorate., the rhodium layer deteriorates and no longer provides its effects. This is why you need to go to a jewelry store from time to time to have a professional apply a new thin layer of rhodium to your jewelry.

Store them properly when not being worn

Leaving earrings, a pendant or a silver ring lying around means firstly taking the risk of losing them. But it is also not recommended if you want to preserve their shine as long as possible. The ideal is to store them in their original case or in a jewelry box when you are not wearing them.

Remove them when cleaning, washing dishes, etc.

Black spots that appear on silver objects are due to oxidation, which is accelerated by corrosion of the metal, contact with water and contact with air. This is why it is best to remove your sterling silver jewelry when using chemicals in cleaning, when playing sports, when washing dishes by hand, when going to the swimming pool, etc.

WHAT TO DO WHEN STAINS DON'T GO AWAY ?

You have tried everything, but it seems that the oxidation is too significant or that your jewelry is too damaged to continue to be worn ? Two options are then available to you:

 

• Contact a professional (jeweler, goldsmith, etc.) which has more sophisticated methods for cleaning silver, and possibly repairing your jewelry.
• Resell your jewelry, through Gold Union. The repurchase of jewelry concerns all types of objects (ring, earrings, cutlery, pendants, etc.).) in silver, but also the sale of gold  or platinum, including if they are damaged.