How to Clean Silver Jewellery

Keep sparkling

 All Neola jewellery pieces are handcrafted from 925 Sterling Silver, the best standard in silver jewellery.  Silver is a precious metal and one of the most beautiful and lustrous of all metals. With proper care, your sterling silver will retain its beauty for many generations to come. 925 sterling silver jewellery will hold its colour and lustre longer than silver tone plated jewellery.
 
Silver jewellery may require cleaning from time to time to ensure your special pieces are sparkling. Over time silver can look duller and tarnished, than when you first bought it.
We’ve pulled together some top tips and an easy step by step guide to keep your sterling silver pieces looking brand new.

 

Easy guide to clean silver jewellery at home

  1. Add baking soda to lukewarm water until a paste is formed. Apply this paste to your sterling silver jewellery and leave it on for a few minutes.
  2. Gently wipe off the paste with a microfiber or lint-free cloth. You can also use a soft brush, like a toothbrush for the more intricate areas.
  3. Rinse off the paste with cold water and buff for a polished finish.
  4. Carefully avoid diamonds, pearls, or gemstones.

 

Additional tips to get your sparkle back

 

A silver polishing cloth is a quick and easy way to keep silver jewellery shinny. This cloth contains anti-tarnish properties. Gently wipe your silver jewellery to remove any tarnish.

 

Toothpaste is another classic cleaner for silver jewellery. Use non-abrasive and non-gel toothpaste. Use a small amount of toothpaste on a paper towel or soft cloth and apply it onto the jewellery with circular motions to polish it and clean off the tarnish.

 

Soap can build up on jewellery. Use a toothbrush and water to gently rub the silver, this is especially effective for pieces with gemstones.

Wash your jewellery in warm soapy water after wearing - a mild dishwashing soap can remove most dirt.

 

Tips to protect your silver jewellery

 

When you don’t wear your jewellery, then try to keep it away from exposure to air and store it in a cloth, pouch, or a silver storage box.

 

To preserve the polish of your sterling silver jewellery, avoid exposure to household cleaning products, bleach and other strong chemicals. 

 

Avoid contact with rubber bands or other rubber products as the sulphur in rubber causes tarnishing and corrosion.

 

We recommend that you store your jewellery in a dry place when engaging in the following activities:

 

  • Household and outdoor chores
  • Showering, bathing or swimming
  • Applying hair products, lotion, fragrances and other cosmetics
  • Exercising
  • Cooking

 

 

Surprising fact

Silver jewellery that is regularly used typically needs less care, so we encourage you to wear your silver jewellery as much as possible. The natural oils in our skin prevent silver from tarnishing.

 

 

Why does silver jewellery tarnish?

Tarnishing occurs when silver reacts with the oxygen in the air and can be encouraged by certain chemicals and conditions. The silver then oxidises and can darken, usually resulting in a grey or black colour.

 

Oxidation is a completely natural process but can be sped up by things like chlorine, salty air, cosmetics, and harsh chemicals. Any of these will act as a catalyst for oxidation and dull your silver more quickly.  Cleaning your silver jewellery regularly at home keeps the tarnish at bay, and means your jewellery is always ready to wear. It is essential to understand how to clean silver jewellery to keep it as good as new. By following our guide, you’ll have your silver rings, silver necklaces, silver earrings, or silver bracelets shinning in no time.

 

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