Ways to Keep Your Silver Jewelry Looking Like New

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Silver makes a lovely addition to your jewelry collection. It’s both pretty and elegant. It’s also something that goes with a wide variety of fabrics and colors, making it easy to create a look that goes with anything you want to wear. Many pieces are also relatively inexpensive. At the same time, silver jewelry also needs care over time to look good. A properly kept up piece of silver jewelry will continue to shine and sparkle for as long as you keep it in good condition. Fortunately, there are many ways to clean and keep up with your silver jewelry care at home.

Preventing Tarnish

One of the first things you should know about silver jewelry care is how to prevent tarnish. Knowing how to spot and prevent tarnish should be part of your education about silver jewelry. Tarnish is what happens to silver over time when it is exposed to the air. This process can make even the brightest pieces dull and unattractive. Caring for your sterling silver pieces means keeping tarnish at bay. Store your jewelry in a cool and dark place is another one of those tips you should know. Water is bad for this kind of jewelry. Take off your jewelry when you’re at the pool, beach or taking a shower. Simply wearing this kind of jewelry can also be incredibly helpful. Putting on silver jewelry increases the amount of fraction against the piece and thus reduces the likelihood of tarnish.

Varied Cleaning Methods

The great thing about silver is there are so many ways to clean it. You can clean your silver jewelry with items you may already have on hand. Common household staples such as baking soda, lemons, olive oil and toothpaste can be used to restore the luster and shine of your favorite pieces.

Baking soda or cornstarch

Baking soda and cornstarch are ideal for getting rid of tarnish. Make a paste with water or cornstarch. Use two parts of the first ingredient combined with one part water. Rub the paste into the silver. Let dry and remove the paste with a soft cloth.

Lemon juice and olive oil

The acid in lemon juice will restore shine to your favorite silver. All you need is a half cup of freshly squeezed juice and a teaspoon of olive oil. Use a cloth to rub the mixture against your silver jewelry items.

Vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are two other items you can use to clean your silver pieces. You’ll need half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. This will create a paste you can apply to your silver jewelry. Then you need to let the pieces sit for at least two hours to get the best results. Rise gently in water and watch your silver jewelry start to gleam again.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be used carefully to help your silver jewelry look great. Use a little with lots of water and brush against your silver. Avoid any whitening toothpaste. Do not use this on any silver plated jewelry or it may compromise the entire look of the piece.

Baking soda, salt and aluminum foil

This one is ideal for your favorite silver rings. They need very special care in order to withstand the rigor of daily wearing. Line a bowl with aluminum foil. Fill with boiling water. Mix a fourth of a cup of baking soda with two teaspoons of salt. Place your jewelry in the mixture and allow it to sit for five minutes. Rinse each piece, place on a clean surface and dry your silver jewelry carefully.

These methods will ensure that all of your favorite silver jewelry pieces look their best. Set aside some time every so often if you notice any tarnish creeping up. You’ll be rewarded with silver jewelry that looks wonderful every time you wear it.