How to Care for Unusual Silver Jewlery
Silver jewlery are special. Silver may not be considered to be as precious as gold or platinum, but silver is still highly valued for its beauty and malleability. It is said that silver is the whitest of all metals, and when it is polished it can shine just like any mirror. It is this inherent beauty of silver that makes it a material of choice for jewellers specialising in unusual jewellery and handmade jewellery.
Unlike other precious metals, silver is actually quite soft and delicate. That is why you need to take extra care of your silver jewlery. But how do you take care of sterling jewellery? When you understand the nature of silver, you would know what to do to keep your silver in good condition. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind to maintain the shine of your silver jewellery.
1. Understand that silver is a highly reactive metal. Aside from being soft, silver is also very reactive to the substances it comes into contact with. It can easily become tarnished by dirt, airborne pollutants, household chemicals and even the skin's natural oils. When silver jewlery is constantly exposed to such substances, the silver can oxidise and turn black. As thus, you need to clean your silver regularly and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals.
2. Not all home remedies for cleaning silver are effective. One popular home remedy for cleaning silver is brushing it with toothpaste and an old toothbrush. On the contrary, this will cause your silver handmade jewellery to become scratched because the toothpaste has abrasive particles in it. If you insist on cleaning your silver using home remedies, try washing it with mild liquid detergent and rinse it with tap water.
3. Always use the right cloth to polish your silver. It may be hard to polish unusual jewellery or Celtic jewellery with a lot of detailed work done on the silver, but it is a task that must get done if you want to maintain the shine of your silver. However, always use the proper type of cloth for polishing your silver jewellery. The recommended cloth for polishing silver is either 100% cotton or flannel.
4. Store your silver properly. Silver handmade jewellery and unusual jewellery are one of a kind. To keep them from damage, you need to store them properly. The most effective way of doing this is by wrapping your silver jewlery in treated, tarnish-proof cloth before putting them in your jewellery box. And then, you should put your jewellery box in a place that is cool, dry and located away from heat or direct sunlight.
5. Wear your silver whenever you can. Silver jewlery are meant to be worn. The oil of our skin actually serves to protect the surface of the silver somehow from scratches and tarnishing. This helps slow the oxidation process of the silver. Also, by wearing them often, your silver pieces will develop a lovely patina that makes them look shiny and beautiful.
Silver jewlery are beautiful but delicate objects. Always try your best to take care of them so you can enjoy their loveliness for a long, long time.
