A Guide to Cleaning Real Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery has a timeless allure that transcends generations, making it a cherished possession for many. However, over time, real silver jewellery can lose its fresh shine and develop tarnish, a natural reaction to the metal's exposure to air and moisture.

Fear not, as reviving the gleam of your precious silver pieces is a straightforward process. In this guide, we'll explore effective and safe methods for cleaning real silver jewellery, ensuring it regains its original brilliance.

Understanding Tarnish:

Before diving into cleaning techniques, let's understand why silver tarnishes. Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulphur compounds present in the air, creating a thin layer of silver sulphide on the surface. This layer gives silver a dull and discoloured appearance. Regular wear and exposure to elements accelerate this process, making periodic cleaning essential to maintain the jewellery's shine.

Now for the answers to your jewellery prayers…

Local jeweller (and the ultrasonic):

Alex&er Jewellery is sold in our partner store Jacqueline Harold Designs, based in Leek, Staffordshire. Here our team are happy to give advice and even clean your jewellery for you for a very small fee.

The cleaning process is somewhat more thorough than the home cleaning tips, the primary reason for this is having an Ultrasonic Cleaner. These are present in most handmade jewellery stores and are extremely useful in removing tarnish. The cleaner uses ultrasound waves and chemicals combined to create bubbles that almost cling themselves to the foreign particles in and around the jewellery including dirt, oil and unknown substances. The high frequency waves then pull the contaminants away from the object, leaving a shiny, more polished finish.

Note: home use without research or training or improper use of an ultrasonic cleaner can result in damaged jewellery.

Home cleaning

Materials Needed:

•           Mild dish soap

•           Soft toothbrush

•           Microfibre or soft lint-free cloth

•           Baking soda

•           Aluminum foil

•           Bowl

•           White vinegar (optional)

•           Silver polishing cloth (optional)

Cleaning Methods:

Mild Soap and Water:

• Start by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl.

• Gently immerse the silver jewellery in the soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes.

• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery, paying attention to intricate details, this is particularly useful when cleaning chains and textured jewellery.

• Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.

Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil:

•  Line a bowl with aluminum foil, ensuring the shiny side faces up.

•  Place your silver pieces on the foil.

•  Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with hot water and pour it over the jewellery.

•  Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing a chemical reaction to occur, removing tarnish. Rinse and dry the jewellery with a soft cloth.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste:

• Create a paste by mixing baking soda with white vinegar.

• Apply the paste to the jewellery using a soft cloth or sponge.

• Gently rub the paste onto the silver, focusing on tarnished areas.

• Rinse the jewellery and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Silver Polishing Cloth (for light tarnish):

• If your silver jewellery has only minor tarnish, a silver polishing cloth can be effective.

• Simply rub the jewellery with the cloth to remove tarnish and restore shine.

Tips for Maintenance:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your silver jewellery regularly, especially if worn frequently, to prevent tarnish buildup.

• Storage: Store your silver jewellery in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container or with anti-tarnish strips to minimise exposure to air.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid exposing your silver jewellery to harsh chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and household cleaning agents, as they can accelerate tarnishing.

• Gym and labour intensive jobs: Avoid wearing your jewellery if you use your hands in working with other metals and when lifting weights at the gym, the clashing in metals can create small scratches and markings.

Maintaining the radiant allure of real silver jewellery doesn't have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these cleaning methods into your routine and adopting proper storage practices, you can ensure that your silver pieces continue to shine brilliantly for years to come. Embrace the process of cleaning as a way to preserve the beauty and elegance of your cherished silver jewellery.

Alternatively, head to the Alex&er in store or contact us and get advice and help from the experts!

Happy to help. Love, Alex&er.

Store details:

Jacqueline Harold Designs, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6HU

Contact:

Alex&er Jewellery

alex@alexanderjewellery.co.uk

07826924420