Cleaning Blackened Silver Jewelry: The 4 Best Techniques

The Best Ways to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Whether you accessorize your wardrobe exclusively with silver jewelry or only own a few special pieces, you've probably wondered what the best way to care for and clean your silver jewelry is.

The dedicated jewelers at Emir ICE have compiled a list to answer all your questions about silver jewelry care . From daily wear tips to cleaning instructions, you'll find it all here!

Understanding why silver jewelry turns black

Sterling silver is an alloy metal, composed of 92.5% pure silver and other metals. Sterling silver is a popular metal due to its affordability and malleability, but it tarnishes quickly due to its composition.

If you're looking at a piece of jewelry that's darkened or looks dirty, your silver has tarnished; but there's no need to neglect or discard this piece of jewelry!

Tarnish is simply the result of a chemical reaction with oxygen or sulfur particles in the air. With a few easy tips, you can take care of your silver jewelry and make it last for years!

How to prevent silver from turning black?

Knowing what's harmful to your silver jewelry is the best way to combat tarnish. To help you wear it every day, we've put together this list of tips:

• Wear it often: Believe it or not, the natural oils in your skin help keep silver jewelry shiny. One of the easiest ways to prevent tarnish is to wear your silver jewelry often rather than leaving it in a jewelry box unworn.
• Remove during household chores: Substances containing additional sulfur, such as household cleaners, chlorinated water, perspiration, and rubber, accelerate corrosion and tarnishing. It is advisable to completely remove your sterling silver jewelry before cleaning.
• Keep out of direct sunlight: Before going to the beach or pool, be sure to remove your silver jewelry. Sunlight can also tarnish silver. Remove your silver jewelry before showering or swimming in a pool, as contact with chlorinated water can accelerate the tarnishing process.
• Put your jewelry on last: For generations, women have put their jewelry on last, and for good reason! Lotions, makeup, hairspray, and perfumes all accelerate tarnishing. Remember to avoid applying any products or other fragrances to your sterling silver jewelry.

• Clean regularly: Regular care of your silver items can help prevent them from tarnishing. Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products specially formulated for silver. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes or other abrasive materials that could scratch the silver surface.

• Careful handling: When handling silver items, avoid touching them with dirty or greasy hands. Grease and natural oils from the skin can contribute to tarnishing. Use cotton gloves when handling silver items to minimize direct skin contact.

How to clean silver jewelry?

Silver jewelry is a beautiful accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. However, over time, it can lose its shine and tarnish. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods to clean your silver jewelry and restore its former glory. In this blog, we'll share some practical tips and cleaning techniques that will help keep your silver jewelry sparkling. Get ready to revive the beauty of your precious jewelry!

There are countless at-home methods for cleaning your silver jewelry. You've probably found yourself faced with endless options, wondering which are the best. Here are the silver cleaning methods our jewelers suggest for your at-home cleaning needs:

• Soap and water: This is the most recommended method due to the gentleness of soap and water. It's really your first line of defense before trying anything else. Simply scrub your jewelry with soapy water using a soft brush.
• Baking soda and water: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl of warm water. Place your silver jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
• White vinegar and baking soda: This gentle cleaning method is ideal for removing heavy tarnish. Soak your silverware in 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda (mix these ingredients in the sink and prepare for some fizzing and foaming) for two to three hours. Rinse the jewelry and pat dry.
• Opt for lemon juice and salt: Mix the juice of one lemon with a tablespoon of salt in a bowl. Soak your silver jewelry in the mixture for about 5 to 10 minutes. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. The lemon juice and salt work together to remove stains and oxidation.

• Finish with a polish: After thoroughly cleaning your jewelry, you can finish the process by using a polishing cloth specially designed for sterling silver.

You can repeat this process as often as necessary. Remember, the key to keeping sterling silver clean is to clean regularly to remove tarnish as it builds up. Your task becomes much more difficult if you let a piece accumulate a lot of tarnish and then try to remove it all at once.

There are many other methods, but we highly recommend these four as they are very gentle on your silver jewelry. If you're told to use toothpaste, we strongly recommend ignoring this advice and using baking soda and water instead. When toothpastes were simple, non-whitening, non-gel-like pastes, they were fine to use on your jewelry. However, today they contain many more ingredients that can damage your silverware.

How to store your silver jewelry?

• Use an airtight container: You can use any container to store your silverware, as long as it's airtight. Zippered bags are ideal, but you can also find specialty jewelry bags for a more attractive option. If you don't have a jewelry box, you can use soft fabric pouches to store each piece of jewelry separately. Make sure each piece is clean and dry before placing it in the pouch.
• Store in a cool, dark place: As mentioned earlier, sunlight, heat, and humidity accelerate tarnishing. Be sure to store your silverware in a cool, dark place.
• Store pieces individually: Storing your jewelry separately prevents them from scratching or tangling with each other. Invest in a jewelry box or organizer with separate compartments for each piece. This will help prevent tangling and scratches.
• Do not store in paper, cardboard, or cotton boxes: these boxes may contain traces of sulfur, which contribute to tarnishing. Store your silver jewelry in fabric pouches or jewelry boxes to protect it from moisture and oxidation.

3 tips to prevent tarnishing of silver jewelry

There are other ways to prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing.

• Preserve your jewelry with chalk: If you add a few pieces of chalk to your silver jewelry, the chalk will absorb moisture and help prevent tarnishing.
• Use desiccant packets or silica gel: When you buy new clothes or shoes, you'll sometimes find silica packets. Save them and put them in your jewelry box. They're great for absorbing moisture!
• Anti-tarnish cloths: It's a good idea to line your jewelry box with anti-tarnish cloths. These cloths absorb sulfur and moisture from the air and are usually chemically treated to prevent tarnishing.

OUR FINAL OPINION

Overall, keeping your silverware clean comes down to a balance between regular home maintenance and professional cleaning appointments. We suggest annual professional cleaning for all jewelry.

Remember that it's easier to prevent tarnish than to remove it once it's formed. If you notice tarnish starting to form, be sure to clean it off immediately. Following these tips will keep your silverware looking new for many years to come!