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!

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