Keep Your Silver Jewelery Looking Like New With These Top Tips

Image Imelda via Flickr

Do you own a few pieces of gorgeous silver jewelry, but it seems to have darkened? Perhaps you haven’t worn your favorite piece in a long time, only to take it out on a special occasion and find it has tarnished?

A little known fact about silver jewelry is that if pieces are not well taken care of and are not worn for a long period of time, the jewelry may tarnish and even corrode. That is why the way in which you store your silver jewelry is a critical component for preventing tarnish and corrosion. What’s more, by following a couple of simple rules, you can actually save yourself hours of cleaning, and keep your beautiful and prized possessions beautiful and bright for years to come.

• So, Why Exactly Does Silver Jewelry Tarnish?

Before we get into looking after your unique silver jewelry collection available in the UK, let’s understand why silver tarnishes. The tarnish on your silver jewelry is the result of an oxidative reaction with sulfur, in the environment, and in the air. Furthermore, the copper alloy or nickel in most sterling silver pieces undergoes oxidative reactions, too. The corrosion of silver jewelry combined with sulfur creates the darkening that you know as tarnish. That is why it is so important to ensure your jewelry is clean and dry before you put it away. Any oils, moisture, dirt, and other residual chemicals will only serve to accelerate the tarnishing.

• How to Store Your Silver Jewelry

Preferably, choose a container that locks out air to store your silver jewelry in. Reducing contact with air will help to slow down the corrosion process. Some of the most common household items used to store jewelry in include air tight bags and zip lock bags, along with anything that has a non-abrasive surface, such as Mylar or polyethylene. Do stay away from polyvinyl plastic bags, though, as they usually have chemical compounds that lead to tarnishing. If you are prepared to spend a little extra, it is worth heading to a jewelry store for a specialized box or bag in order to prevent tarnishing. When it comes to storing your jewelry, it is ideal to keep each item in a separate bag, and away from harder items that could scratch the surface of the jewelry.

• Where to Store Your Jewelry

Avoid storing your silver jewelry in excessively humid areas, those with direct sunlight, and any other places where jewelry may rub up against any other items. Avoid storing your pieces directly on any surfaces that have been chemically treated, such as wooden countertops, as they comprise chemicals that could promote tarnishing and make the jewelry hard to clean.

• Tools that Prevent Tarnishing

1. Chalk – This is an old remedy to prevent tarnish. Simply store the chalk with your jewelry as it absorbs chemical residues.
2. Silica packs – Those are the little packets you find in medicine bottles and even handbags. They are useful for absorbing moisture in the air.
3. Anti-tarnish strips – Typically made from non-toxic materials, the strips absorb tarnish-inducing agents in the air.
4. Anti-tarnish cloths – The cloths can be saturated with bits of silver or chemically treated and will absorb sulphur in the air.

Take note of all the tips we’ve discussed in this article. We’re certain that you’re silver jewelry will look good as new with these tips.

If you have other tips to share, feel free to leave it in the comments below.

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