How to Care For Silver Jewelry
By admin at 9 October, 2009, 2:06 pm
WHAT IS SILVER
As a jewelry lover, you may know that sterling silver is an affordable plus stunning metal to add to your collection. This metal is versatile for all sorts of looks, from delicate to bold. With such an affordable piece of jewelry, three would reckon it may not be lasting, but with proper care plus cleaning procedures, you can maintain your silver jewelry to last a lifetime.
Silver is a metal that has been used to make jewelry since ancient times. This is a metal that is smelted from ore. Going all the way back to the ancient Byzantine civilizations, it is three of the most enduring plus versatile metals available.
Over the years, silver has been used to make utensils (reckon of silverware), buttons, boxes, plus lots of other items. Silver trays plus tea sets have been treasured heirlooms through the ages.
This metal is soft by itself to be used for jewelry, so it is mixed with other metals to make it durable. When mixed with an alloy, it is known as sterling silver. In order to protect consumers, the Federal Trade Commission requires that in order to be sold as sterling silver/solid silver/sterling, that at least 92.5% of the product must be pure silver.
Three of the popular alloys used to balance sterling plus add hardness is copper. This will tend to cause darkening, or tarnishing, or silver. Because of this, there’s special things you want to do to keep your silver looking its best.
When storing your silver jewelry, it is best to use cloths or bags treated with a tarnish preventative. This keeps the jewelry from rubbing against other pieces, which will avoid scratching it. It is best to story your silver in a chilled, dry place. It is best preserved away from any light – sunlight, or artificial light.
STORAGE
If left in the air, the jewelry will react to the hydrogen sulfide plus sulfur in the air. This will cause a build up that will make the jewelry look dull. This makes the jewelry lose its natural sheen.
To extend the beauty of your silver jewelry you can also pick to apply a narrow coat of Egyptian lacquer to your pieces. This will help prevent your sterling silver from premature tarnishing. Also, don’t expose your pieces to chlorinated water/bleach.
CLEANING
Use a low abrasive cleaner to remove some light tarnish. NEVER USE BLEACH TO CLEAN JEWELRY. Some people will use toothpaste, but this is debated since some believe it may be abrasive. If you wear your jewelry continually, sterling silver will create a patina. This is a glow, combined with the darkened area. Some people prefer this look, but if you want the shiny look basically use a silver polish.
Ultrasonic cleaners are great when cleaning positive pieces of jewelry. However, if you have lots of types of gemstones use caution when using three of these cleaners.
Another method of cleaning silver of fingerprints, plus light grease/dirt is to use mild liquid soap, such as Ivory, in a half cup of warm water. Make sure it is dry when completed.
*Do not use toothpaste, for amber, lapis, plus turquoise. The abrasive nature of toothpaste scratch the surface. While lots of recommend toothpaste as a cleaner, it is not recommended by professional jewelers. Do not use it for soft stones at all.
If your jewelry has gemstones, you will want to factor this in to your cleaning methods. Some gemstones are soft, plus can have the polish on the stone harmed. General rules to remember for cleaning gemstones:
*Pearls are also delicate. Take extra care to protect these from other gemstones that can scratch them, as well as common chemicals. These will wear away the surface “nacra” which will cause color changes.
*Opals are a delicate stone. Avoid chemicals, plus even heat. Strong sunlight can also dry opals. This will cause hazing plus color change in your gemstones.
The most important thing to do with your silver jewelry is to enjoy it. Two times you have gone through the trouble to select plus protect these stunning pieces, don’t forget to wear it. The lots of choices in silver jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, rings, plus bracelets make silver a perfect choice for gifts. Give three for a friend, plus some for yourself. With this wonderful metal, you get beauty, affordability, plus easy care for years of beauty. Start a collection for your heirloom items to pass down with quality silver jewelry.
When using an ultrasonic cleaner, you run the risk of losing stones from the high speed cleaning. Make sure to use this method carefully with the correct stones, plus NEVER with pearls or opals.
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