How to care for Sterling silver Jewelry

Written By Terri Hamm Johnson

What is sterling silver?

Pure silver is a naturally soft metal. As with most other high-quality metals such as gold. This makes it susceptible to damage unless mixed with another metal. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper to make it more durable. The ratio of sterling silver is 92.5% fine silver, and 7.5% copper. This resulting alloy is a material that is beautiful and luxurious, yet strong. This is why on each piece of jewelry .925 or “sterling” is stamped somewhere inconspicuously. Sterling silver is the perfect alloy for creating beautiful jewelry.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?

Pure silver does not tarnish, however, copper does. When exposed to the air and humidity, elements like hydrogen sulfide cause copper to form a natural patina, or what we refer to as “tarnish” here. Tarnish is not always a bad thing and some people like the aged and rustic look of tarnish. In fact, the sterling silver for many pieces of THJ Jewelry is intentionally patinaed to give them this look.

Because of the copper in sterling silver, your pieces are guaranteed to tarnish with time. However, proper storage can keep their natural shine for longer, and some special cleaning methods listed below can restore any piece back to its former glory.

How do I care for my silver jewelry?

  • Proper storage of sterling silver jewelry will help avoid tarnishing and having to clean it frequently. Avoid sterling silver’s greatest enemies - air, moisture and a lot of direct sunlight.

  • Invest in a specifically designed storage bag or box for sterling silver or use a small ziplock bag to limit exposure to air, moisture and sun. Luckily, THJ’s packaging doubles as long term storage to protect your piece from all three elements.

  • Store each piece separately, as you risk scratches and damage when you store pieces together.

How do I clean my sterling silver?

Please note that all sterling silver jewelry is delicate to some degree, and you may have to take extra precautions when cleaning jewelry based on the other materials it may be made of, like pearls or precious to semi-precious stones.

Method # 1: Scrub your jewelry

What you need:

- A soft, lint-free cloth – microfiber or silver cloth.
- Cleaning agent – see options below
- Soft bristle toothbrush
- Water


Steps:

  1. Apply the cleaning agent, to your toothbrush. This can be Wright’s silver cream, toothpaste, or a homemade paste. However these homemade pastes can often damage pearls as well as precious and semi-precious stones, so use caution

  2. Gently scrub the piece with circular motions.

  3. Rinse under water and repeat the process until you get your desired shine.

  4. Dry with the cloth, do not use paper towels or tissue paper as they can scratch the jewelry.

Recipe options for homemade paste or cleaning agents:

  • 2 parts baking soda, one part water

  • 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method #2 - Boiling water and baking soda

What you need:

- Small, shallow metal pan or glass bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Boiling water
- Baking soda

Steps:

  1. Line your pan or bowl completely with aluminum foil.

  2. Bring a kettle full of water to a boil.

  3. Place your tarnished pieces at the bottom of the foil-lined pan or bowl

  4. Pour your boiling water into the pan or bowl until the pieces are covered completely.

  5. Add 1/2 baking soda directly after the water.

  6. Sit back and watch your pieces transform from dull to shiny! Let your pieces soak about 10 minutes in the solution.

  7. Take your pieces out with tongs, be careful, as the water may still be very hot!

  8. Finish up by drying them with your silver, or microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

Sterling silver jewelry is one of the best investments you can make. It is not only affordable, durable, and looks beautiful, but will always enhance your natural beauty and style every time you wear it.

Each piece of jewelry of THJ Jewelry comes in a small gift box inside a ziplock baggie. THJ’s packaging perfect place to store your pieces when not being worn to help keep them clean, reduce tarnish, and prevent them from being scratched, and keeping it is also a great way to reduce waste.

Terri Hamm Johnson