Is Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnished?

How to take care of your Sterling Silver jewelry the easy way!

Sterling Silver is a precious metal that will tarnish but there are a few things you can do to extend your beautiful shine on your silver before cleaning them.

But first, a little information you should know about sterling silver. Silver does not react to oxygen or water at ordinary temperatures, which means it does not tarnish easily. However, silver has other metals in the alloy, usually copper that may react with oxygen in the air which over time will tarnish your silver. Therefore, many manufacturers have started plating sterling silver with rhodium which provides maximum durability and prevents silver from tarnishing quickly.

What makes sterling silver tarnish? Common chemicals in perfumes, hair sprays, soaps, and lotions will make sterling silver and rhodium plated silver tarnish. Chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools will tarnish your jewelry as well, so keep from wearing your jewelry to the pool or beach.

How should you clean and take care of your sterling silver and rhodium plated silver jewelry? The best item to use for cleaning your jewelry is a jewelry polishing cloth that is infused with a special jewelry cleaner. It is quick and easy to use and can be stored for future use. Although you may be tempted to use a silver liquid cleaner, DON'T, it is too harsh and can damage your rhodium plating.

For optimal care, keep your silver jewelry in a dry and air-tight jewelry box or zip-lock bag. You can find jewelry boxes that are lined with an anti-tarnish lining which works wonderfully.

Just a little bit of care and your sterling silver can look beautiful for years to come!

JaeBee.com

How to Wear Layered Necklaces

Layered necklaces have been on the top of the fashion list and I don’t see it moving down the list for a long time. These necklaces are so versatile that they can be worn with jeans, dresses, blouses, and t-shirts.  Layered necklaces are a lot of fun, they add texture, color, and uniqueness to your outfit.

Here are a few tips on how to look stylish with layered necklaces

I am sure you have a nice collection of necklaces of all lengths, so try putting a few together.  Put together two or three necklaces, one longer than the next.  You can go simple with multiple chains

or be more creative by mixing chains and beaded necklaces together.  A simple chain with a beaded necklace adds color and boldness. 

A choker with a longer chain is showing up everywhere this season.

Another great look is to add a pendant necklace, this will add a focal point to your layered necklace.  It can be a natural stone, metal disc, metal bar, tassel, or anything that strikes your fancy.  But if putting together your own layered necklace is not for you, buy a necklace that is pre-layered.  

Have fun and experiment, the sky is the limit when it comes to fashion!