In a world that's becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint, it's only natural that our approach to everyday tasks and routines undergoes a green transformation. If you're the owner of silver jewellery, you might be wondering how to keep your cherished pieces sparkling without resorting to harsh chemicals that harm both your treasures and the environment. Our grandparents were onto something with their eco-friendly silver cleaning tricks, and it's high time we embrace them.
So, picture this: Your silver treasures gleaming like they just stepped out of a jewellery store, all while doing your bit for our lovely planet. Sounds good? Let's dive into the world of sustainable silver cleaning together and make our jewellery shine as bright as our grandma's stories!
But first, we need to talk about silver..
Did you know that sterling silver, the popular jewellery metal, has a secret dark side? Its composition, made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, is the perfect recipe for a chemical reaction with oxygen or sulphur particles, causing it to tarnish over time.
Yes, that's right - your once shiny and sparkly silver jewellery can turn dull and discoloured due to this natural process that happens over time. And the process is called oxidation.
When sterling silver comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it forms a thin layer of silver oxide on its surface.
The presence of sulphur compounds in the air can accelerate the oxidation process. This is common in environments with pollutants or in areas near the ocean, as sulphur is present in sea air.
Household chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes can also contain sulphur compounds that contribute to tarnishing.
High humidity levels can also promote tarnishing. Moisture in the air can react with sulphur and other tarnish-inducing compounds, leading to the formation of dark tarnish you often see on silver.
Don't let tarnish tarnish your day: Simple solutions for silver jewellery care.
Tarnishing can be unsightly and can make silver jewellery dull and lifeless. While it is not possible to completely prevent tarnishing, there are steps you can take to slow down the process and keep your silver looking bright and shiny.
One way to prevent tarnish is to store your silver in a cool, dry place away from sources of hydrogen sulphide. This can include keeping your silver in a sealed container or in a jewellery box with an anti-tarnish strip.
It is also important to keep your silver clean and free of dirt and grime, as these can accelerate the tarnishing process. Wiping your silver with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use can help prevent tarnish from forming.
Remember that while you can take steps to prevent tarnishing, some level of tarnish may occur over time, especially with silver jewellery that is exposed to environmental factors. Regular maintenance and proper care will help keep your silver items looking their best.
Silver linings: How to remove tarnish and keep your jewellery looking sparkling.
While tarnish may be an inevitable part of owning silver, it is a problem that can easily be managed with proper care and maintenance. With a little effort, you can keep your silver looking beautiful and shining bright for years to come.
There are a variety of silver cleaning products available that can help remove tarnish, or you can try using a homemade tarnish remover. Cue the bicarbonate of soda!
All you need is 1 tsp of baking soda and some warm water. You can create a paste which then can be applied onto your silver jewellery using a soft toothbrush.
Gently scrub your pieces for a few minutes and then rinse in water (just water).
Dry thoroughly with soft cloth making sure they're completely dry before storing in a jewellery box.
Don't use these methods for jewellery with gemstones, pearls or silver jewellery with a patina that is a part of the design. Cleaning silver jewellery with gemstones can be a bit more challenging than cleaning plain silver jewellery. This is because the gemstones may be more sensitive to certain cleaning methods or chemicals, and may be prone to scratching or damage.
Start by gently wiping the jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or grime. This will help prevent the cleaning solution from getting trapped in the crevices of the jewellery.
You may want to use a mild soap and water solution instead of a chemical cleaner. Simply mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery.
The rest stays the same: rinse in water (just water). Dry thoroughly with soft cloth making sure they're completely dry before storing in a jewellery box.
To keep your jewellery in top shape, it's important to follow a regular cleaning routine. With every piece of my beautiful silver jewellery, I include a special silver jewellery wipe and a cotton pouch to make your silver jewellery care a breeze when you travel. It's like a mini spa day for your jewellery! Simply give your treasures a gentle wipe with the wipe, and watch the magic happen. It not only keeps your jewellery looking fabulous but also makes your life easier, so don't forget to put it to good use and let your jewellery shine!
Happy cleaning!
MDK x
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