Silver tarnishes, it’s just a fact of life. But getting it clean again doesn't have to be a whole ordeal. Here are the best ways to handle it, depending on how much work you want to put in & how tarnished your pieces are :
1. Use a polishing cloth The easiest and safest way is a Sunshine polishing cloth. I actually have these available in the shop if you need to grab one. They’re treated with a specific polishing compound, so you just rub the piece until the black tarnish transfers onto the cloth. It’s the best way to go for jewelry with stones (like turquoise or opals) because you aren't submerging them in anything harsh.
2. Soap and water If your jewelry just looks a little dull or has some buildup from lotion or sunscreen, keep it simple. A bit of warm water and mild dish soap goes a long way. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (the one you got free from the dentist works great) to gently get into the crevices, then rinse it off and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
3. The "Science Project" method If you have a piece that is simply sterling - no stones, no pearls, just metal - and it’s gotten really dark, you can use the foil trick.
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Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up)
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Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a little salt
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Drop your silver in so it’s touching the foil
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Pour in boiling water. You’ll see the tarnish lift off the silver and onto the foil almost instantly. Again, only do this for plain metal pieces!
4. Take it to a pro When in doubt, take your jewelry to a local jewelry store and let them clean and polish it for you. This is honestly a great habit to get into. Not only will they get it looking brand new, but they can also check for any weak areas in the metal or thinning spots. It's a good way to catch wear and tear before a piece actually breaks on you.
Ultimately, the best way to keep your silver from tarnishing is to just wear it. The natural oils in your skin do a lot of the maintenance for you. But when it does need a refresh, one of these should do the trick ;)
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