How To Take Care Of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Did you know that sterling silver has unlimited layers? Much so-called silver jewelry is just other metals with a silver coating, or it may be even plastic with a silver coating. Sterling silver jewelry is not coated but has many layers, so when your silver jewelry has lost its shine, it can always be regained but, like any other jewelry, sterling silver jewelry needs to be taken care of. Below are some ways of taking care of your sterling silver jewelry.

1. The first thing you should always think of is storage. The way you store your jewelry matters a lot. Putting your sterling silver jewelry together will cause scratches, as the will rub against each other.

2. You should always keep them in a cool and dry place. Moisture makes sterling silver jewelry tarnish, so when you store them in a moist place they will tarnish. You can also get anti-tarnish paper strips to put inside your jewelry box so that they will not tarnish.

3. When it comes to cleaning your sterling silver jewelry, you should not use just any piece of cloth within your reach to wipe them clean, because some materials will easily scratch them. You can buy jewelry cloths which normally have two layers. One layer is made up of cotton and the other layer has special chemicals which will make the silver shine. If you cannot get hold of one, you can use a cloth which is 100% cotton to wipe your sterling silver jewelry.

4. On a daily basis you should make sure your jewelry is the last thing you put on in the morning and first thing to take off at night. When you are working, especially cleaning, you should take it off, as the chemicals you use may cause immediate tarnishing. When sleeping, swimming or taking a shower you must take your sterling silver jewelry off and remember to place it in a dry place. Whenever you return them to their storage place, wipe them dry so that body oils and dirt are removed.

Just like any other jewelry, sterling silver jewelry needs to be cared for in order for it to look at its best. Once in a while you can clean it in mild soapy water and with a very soft toothbrush. Make you sure you rinse it very well with clean water and dry it completely with a soft cotton cloth before storing it.