Silver Jewelry Care

Is Sterling Silver and 925 Silver the same?

The main difference between these two types of silver is their composition. Pure silver is 99.9% silver. The other 0.1% is typically copper or nickel.

This actually makes pure silver incredibly soft and difficult to work with because it cannot hold a shape therefore, jewelers began mixing silver with other trace elements to make it stronger. By combining them, they now can shape silver into just about anything. 

Copper and nickel are the most common metals used to mix with silver. Silver itself makes up 92.5% and the other metals account for 7.5%. Making what is known as 925 Silver or Sterling Silver which is still quite valuable.

No matter what form it takes pure sterling silver requires proper care and cleaning to maintain its initial luster and brilliance. Since its much softer than many gemstones, silver requires special precautionary methods to prevent damage to its texture and composition. 

Caring for sterling silver

It is the nature of silver to tarnish over time or it is not quality silver 

However, caring for your silver jewelry does not have to be a difficult, time-consuming task. As long as you store it properly and keep up with regular periodic maintenance to prevent the dreaded tarnish, silver cleanings can be quick and easy.

It is also important to know that exposing your ring to excessive chemicals (even household), sweat, rubber, chlorinated water, sulfuric substances (including eggs, onions, mayonnaise, and latex), and prolonged sunlight can cause your jewelry to tarnish faster.

Storing Sterling Silver

Proper storage of sterling silver jewelry and gift items goes a long way toward preserving its shine and preventing the oxidation that can cause dullness and discoloration. Below, you will find some tips for proper storage of fine silver

  • To prevent scratches, each piece should be stored individually in its own case, pouch, or compartment.
  • Be sure to store sterling silver in a dry, cool place.
  • Avoid keeping jewelry boxes in bathrooms, as the moist, warm air can compromise the brilliance of your sterling.
  • For best results, keep your silver jewelry in a case lined with tarnish-resistant material. 
  • If you're planning on storing a silver piece for an extended period of time, try sealing it in an airtight bag (plastic works fine) to protect it from humidity. Even a zip lock bag will help in preventing tarnish. You can also add/place a piece of white chalk to help prevent moisture and replace it as needed.

 

How to Clean Sterling Silver

The best way to prevent your jewelry from becoming dull it is to clean your pieces regularly. As a general rule, the regular use of chemical liquid jewelry cleaners is discouraged, as they can result in the eventual discoloration of the metal specially if jewelry contains stones. The safest and most effective way to polish sterling silver is to wipe it gently with a soft cloth. Most fine jewelry stores sell specially designed silver polish cloths that are pre-treated with gentle chemicals to restore silver's natural brilliance, although most any soft cloth will do the trick. Avoid using coarse fibers or fabrics, such as paper or polyester, as these can result in scratching. Feel free to wipe down your stainless silver as often as you'd like to restore its shine and brilliance.

You can also use soap and water. This is a classic when it comes to cleaning pretty much anything. Simply combining warm water and gentle dish soap (like Dawn) can gently clean your ring without you having to worry too much about tarnishing or breakage. Use a polishing cloth, if available, to gently rub the ring clean. And never soak your ring in the water for long period of time as this will cause rust. This should always be your first choice.

There is also a classic mixture of baking soda and warm water. Gently brush the paste over the jewelry with a soft cloth (as noted previously). You can thin out the paste with a small amount f water if needed. Then rinse the piece with warm water and pat dry. To prevent potential scratching and dullness, it's a good idea to avoid scrubbing the silver with any type of brush.

Following these easy tips for cleaning and storing your sterling silver can help to preserve the inherent beauty and shine of this precious metal, ensuring years of enjoyment of your investment!