June 19, 2011
Steps in Taking Care of Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Jewelry makers have to use alloys of silver in order to create silver jewelry. The softness of pure silver makes it unfit as material for jewelry making or even other uses. Even the 92.5 percent pure silver component of solid silver or silver have a small component of other metals in order to make the alloy strong. Copper is the other metal that is used to combine with silver to make sterling silver strong. However, the presence of copper in the alloy makes it susceptible for the jewelry to tarnish and requires proper care and cleaning.
How to Store Sterling Silver Jewelry
In order to prevent the tarnishing of silver jewelry, different methods can be done in order to prevent such. One way is to utilize specially treated bags and cloths that are specific for the storing of sterling silver jewelry. Another way is to keep the jewelry in jewelry boxes so that there will be no oxidation that will happen, thus preventing the tarnishing of silver jewelry. If you are a heavy user of silver jewelry, rinse and dry the said substance regularly. However, special care should be given to pieces that are only worn rarely. When cleaning jewelry, make sure that you do not remove the patina which gives the jewelry an aged look.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry
Different products are possible in cleaning sterling silver. One important thing to consider when trying to clean your jewelry is that it will not be scratched. A non-abrasive cleaner should be used. Be careful that the sterling silver jewelry will be in contact with the metal sink to avoid scratching. Using a polish will probably make it an abrasive thus make sure it has not dried up.
Tarnish is easiest to remove when it is just starting. The longer it tarnishes, the darker it becomes and the more difficult it is to remove. Some products offer protection from tarnishing. This is a good idea unless, as before, it might be abrasive.
Cleaning old silver jewelry may still show a purplish color which is called firestain. Current processes in technology causes firestain. Do not attempt to clean firestains since they are part of the jewelry and cannot be removed. Attempting to clean it will cause ruin to your piece.
Owning fine sterling silvery is considered a life long investment. In order to achieve this, one should store and clean it properly as needed in order to protect your fine jewelry.
The author is a multifaceted writer. She writes articles for a number of subjects like marriage and relationship advices, great deals on body massager and back massagers, family and parenting concerns, fashion and beauty tips and a lot more.
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