How To Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry – The Ultimate Guide

Mastering the Art of Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaning Techniques

Designer, stylish, trendy yet affordable, durable, and evergreen! There are a few adjectives that perfectly define the allure and aura these flawless sterling silver Jewelry pieces hold. It is completely justified for you to be enticed by sterling silver, which is not only lustrous and aesthetic but also versatile, making it a great choice to be worn every day. It complements almost every skin tone and occasion, whether a wedding, birthday, anniversary or any festive celebration. Plus, you can dive into a larger pool of never-ending designs, styles, and patterns, elevating your look.

However, there is only one drawback. What is that? It's none other than watching your sterling silver Jewelry getting "Tarnished." Yes, when exposed to the sulfur compounds in the air or humidity, sweat, and cosmetics, it creates a layer of silver sulfite on the surface, causing silver to lose its shine and luster and appear dull and discolored, decreasing its beauty.

Fortunately, with a little care and the right cleansing techniques, you can keep your sterling silver Jewelry looking radiant for longer. So, without further ado, embark on a journey with us to this curated guide to cleaning and maintaining sterling silver. We've also highlighted the benefits, reasons it tarnishes, preventive care, and many more. Check it out here:

What is Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Sterling silver is the most cherished and classic metal used in the Jewelry-making industry, favored by fashion-conscious folks to flaunt elegance, grace and sophistication. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from pure silver?

Well, popularly known as 925 sterling silver, it simply refers to a metal that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This blend ensures its durability and strength and makes the metal prone to tarnishing when exposed to air or moisture. Whenever purchasing, ensure checking a 925 hallmark on these Jewelry pieces signifying silver's standard purity.

Pure Silver Vs. Sterling Silver – A Legit Comparison

Now, when it comes to pure silver Vs sterling silver, both metals may look similar, but they are different with varying compositions. Unlike Sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, making it affordable and durable, pure silver contains 99.9% elemental silver, making it brighter, softer, and more expensive.

Fun Fact – It is true that sterling silver Jewelry gets tarnished or loses its luster over time, but you must note that it is more resilient than pure silver, and being a bit mindful of its cleaning, caring, and storage can help Jewelry lovers enjoy its shine for longer and prevent tarnishing.

How To Tell If My Sterling Silver Jewelry Is Authentic or Fake?

Usually, you find a 925 hallmark stamped on all your sterling silver Jewelry, or in some cases, there can be "sterling" markings, be it rings, pendants, or bracelets. Besides this, a few considerations can help you know whether your sterling silver is real or fake. For example:

Consult a Jeweler – Visit an experienced Jeweler and let them confirm its authenticity using a loupe or magnifying glass.
Magnet Test - Most precious metals like copper, silver, and gold are non-magnetic. So, you can put a magnet next to your sterling silver Jewelry and see if it attracts. If yes, then it's fake.
White Cloth Test – Since silver gets oxidized, it needs regular polishing. So, rub your Jewelry with a clean white cloth as it will leave black marks. If there aren't any, it's fake.
Odor Test – Remember that sterling silver is odorless, so go ahead and smell it. If there is a smell of sulfur or other metal, it's fake.

Why Sterling Silver Jewelry Gets Tarnished?

As mentioned above, tarnishing occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or air, creating a tarnished layer on its surface. Since most 925 sterling silver Jewelry pieces are made using 7.5% copper, exposing them to air, salt, and moisture causes a chemical reaction and makes them look dull and tarnished.

How To Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry? Step-by-Step Guide

After knowing that sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, it is clear you may want to be careful regarding cleaning your sterling silver Jewelry. But looking at those hefty expenses of Jewelers, you may be wondering if you could get a handful of cleaning tips to save your pockets. Well, you do! Here, we are sharing some home remedies and DIY mixtures that help you keep your favorite 925 sterling silver Jewelry as sparkling and radiant as it was when you bought it. Take a look:

Silver Polishing Cloth –Affordable And Easy

Rubbing your sterling silver Jewelry with a silver polish cloth is an effective, fuss-free, and affordable solution to remove tarnishing. All you need to do is take a soft and lint-free polishing cloth and gently rub your Jewelry with it. These clothes are infused with a unique chemical formula that provides an anti-Tarnish protective layer for your silver accessories.

Soap And Water – A Classic Symphony

Take your Jewelry and gently rinse it with warm water and mild, chemical free dish soap. Soak your sterling silver Jewelry within this mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, and use a soft brush to scrub the surface and crevices. Once you are finished, wash it in fresh water and pat it to dry.

Baking Soda and Water – Natural and Timeless

You simply need to make a mixture out of water and baking soda and carefully apply a small amount to your silver, polish, rinse, and dry. However, if your 925 sterling silver Jewelry has more detailing work, you can thin out this paste to reach the most intricate areas of your item using a soft brush or cloth.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda – Quick and Simple

If you are wondering how to deal with heavy tarnishing on your sterling silver Jewelry, this combination can work the best for you. All you need to do is take two tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar and keep your Jewelry in this solution for two to three hours. Gently scrub it, rinse it, and then pat it dry.

Magical Toothpaste – An Evergreen Remedy

Take a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth and gently rub the tarnished areas of your sterling silver Jewelry. When you are done, gently rinse it with warm water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.

Olive Oil and Lemon Juice – Let The Kitchen Call You

You may be wondering, but your home kitchen has most of the solutions to your problems. Just like here, where all you need to do is mix half a cup of lemon juice with one tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Then, dip a lint-free cloth into the mixture and gently polish your sterling silver Jewelry. Clean it with warm water and dry it well.

Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda – A Sparkling and Bubbly Combination

Firstly, take aluminum foil and place it under a glass dish. Then, put your sterling silver Jewelry onto that foil and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on it. Activate baking soda by pouring boiling water over the Jewelry, and wait for a magical chemical reaction. Soak your Jewelry into the solution for a couple of minutes. Take the accessory out and wash it with water. Dry it well using a soft cloth and witness a restored classic luster.

Lemon And Salt – Squeeze Some Sourness

One more cleaning tip to clean your 925 sterling silver Jewelry right from the kitchen is none other than squeezing a fresh lemon into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt to it and mix it well. Now, dip a soft cloth or brush into this solution and gently scrub tarnished areas on your Jewelry. Rinse it under running water and dry it well with a soft cloth.

Preventative Care Instructions – Save Your Sterling Silver Jewelry From Tarnishing

Now, if you are making this much effort to keep your sterling silver jewelry tarnish-free, you obviously don't want to ruin it due to any mistake. As they say, prevention is better than cure. Although we aren't expecting you to protect silver from air, heat, or moisture completely, you can limit that exposure and ensure longevity and radiance for your favorite sterling silver Jewelry piece. Here's how:

Enjoy Your Silver Charm Often

The more you wear it, the shinier it gets! Yes, believe it or not, but wearing your sterling silver Jewelry more often can help you avoid tarnishing as it will increase the chances for the Jewelry to absorb the natural oils from your skin as an effective cleansing and protective shield that keeps the surface bright and shiny.

Don't Forget To Take Your Sterling Jewelry Off

The most common tendency of many women and men is to give their dressing a last touch after wearing accessories. As a result, unwillingly or unintentionally, we expose our sterling Jewelry to cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, or hair sprays, causing sulfur to react and get silver dull or discolored. So, as a caring measure, you should avoid wearing or taking your sterling silver Jewelry off while getting ready, swimming, exercising, cooking, or doing household chores.

Be Mindful of Storing

Extreme exposure to air, heat, and sweating is the key to tarnishing. So, it's important to store your sterling silver Jewelry in a dry, cool place, such as a Ziploc bag or a Jewelry box, to prevent exposure. Avoid storing your sterling silver pieces together in the same compartment or Jewelry box to prevent tangling and scratching.

Benefits of Sterling Silver Jewelry – A Rising Sensation Among Jewelry Enthusiasts

Did you know that sterling silver Jewelry has various health benefits? Now that you are well aware of cleaning it, here are a few amazing benefits of wearing Sterling silver Jewelry that you should know:

Fantastic Durability

No doubt, everyone wants to have a piece of Jewelry that lasts forever. This is one of the prime benefits of buying Sterling Silver Jewelry that it is pretty durable and lasts a lifetime, only if treated well. You can even pass your sterling silver Jewelry to the next generation as your memory.

Wonderful Hypoallergenic Properties

Yes, finally, you can say goodbye to those rashes, itching, redness, or any kind of allergic reaction caused by Jewelry as sterling silver contains no nickel and, thereby, skips any allergies. So, those with sensitive skin can buy and wear sterling silver Jewelry without any skin worries or concerns.

Multiple Health Benefits

You may not know, but silver metal can effectively decrease inflammation, instill energy, and uplift our mental well-being and concentration skills. Not only this, when silver touches the skin, it helps improve our mood, balances body heat and also helps with circulation. Besides this, various researchers explained that wearing silver Jewelry helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and pain in joints.

Highlights Our Bodily Features

Last but not least, most people like and prefer to wear Sterling silver Jewelry to glorify their bodily features and accentuate an elegant and attractive silhouette. Plus, it never goes out of style, making it a timeless, trendy, and fashionable choice among enthusiasts.

Where to Buy Sterling Silver Jewelry? Find An Endless Variety At Sagacia

Now, this is the biggest question – Where can I get the most authentic, designer, stylish, trendy, and affordable sterling silver Jewelry with a variety of options? Don't look further; Sagacia Jewelry is here to assist you with high-quality standards, curated collections, and fair prices. Be it Green Kyanite, Opal, Amethyst, or Citrine, Sagacia, a trusted and reputed, US-based gemstone Jewelry retailing brand, lets you explore its wide variety of sterling silver Jewelry. From stylish rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants, scroll our website and place an order now!