SUBTITLE: Has this happened to you?
My favorite silver earrings turned. They were so beautiful...big, bold hearts covered in prong set czs. I wore them for years and then for some reason I put them away. When I discovered them again the silver had turned and I couldn't wear them again without cleaning them or polishing them. There was no such thing as the internet way back when, so my special earrings went back into the case.
If that *has* happened to you, you probably tend to shy away from buying more silver jewelry no matter how much it sparkles or calls to you. Well, this is 2008 and we do have the internet and it has all the answers, right? Ok, it's hasn't given me the location of a source for money trees, but I did find some good advice as I was searching out jewelry to offer in my e-store.
Sterling silver is a soft metal that is usually combined with copper (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) to add the strength needed to allow its use and prevent damage to the precious metal. Over time, sulfur and oxygen cause tarnishing.
The key to keeping our silver jewelry bright is to follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid wearing your jewelry during physical activity. Perspiration will encourage your silver to tarnish.
2. Put on your jewelry after you have applied your make-up, hair spray, lotions and perfume. All those things that make you look and fee so beautiful are harmful to the finish of your silver.
3. Do not shower while wearing your silver jewelry.
4. I actually read this next one while researching, so just in case you haven't thought of it...Don't wear your silver jewelery while applying hair color or applying permanent solution.
5. Store your silver jewelery in a cool, dry place, individually in pouches or plastic bags.
6. Some Silver is coated in Rhodium to prevent it from tarnishing and scratching. While Rhodium coated or plated jewelery should be stored as listed in #5 above.
Ok...so what do you do after your jewelry has turned?
Gently wash your jewelry with a mild dish washing liquid diluted with water, then rinse well and dry with a felt cloth or a jewelers cloth. Tissue is not a good idea. Make sure to dry your jewelry well to avoid water staining. Silver polishing cloths are recommended and offer the best cleaning.
Silver dip is very harsh! If your silver item has a rhodium finish or is set with gemstones, turquoise or pearls do not use silver dip. It has been known to change to color of some gemstones, turquoise and pearls. No mention of opal was made in the articles I found, but I believe it should be included here.
Sonic cleaners can damage some gemstones! Check before you risk it!!!
I'm off to locate some felt and try my luck with those earrings!
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