Tip: Summertime Jewelry Care
It’s hot and humid out there, so it seems like a good time to talk about cleaning your jewelry. Today we are going to focus on sterling silver. If you want to clean your gold, platinum or diamond jewelry, the best idea is to take it to your local jewelry store and have it professionally cleaned. These summertime conditions can cause shiny sterling silver to tarnish quickly. This is a normal property of sterling silver because it is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It’s the other metals, primarily copper, that cause the tarnish to occur. There are many suggestions to clean tarnish, but here is our take.
DON’T: Rub your jewelry with ketchup, soak it in vinegar or scrub it with baking soda. I have never tried any of these and I don’t suggest that you do either. Additionally, you may try to clean your jewelry with steam, chemicals, or an ultrasonic machine. While this works for some types of sterling, I do not recommend these methods for our products, or any of those with an intentional darkening or oxidation. Check with the designer if you are not sure if your piece has been oxidized. These methods could eventually remove the patina from the objects, especially if the piece is soaked for a prolonged period of time. Also, use extreme caution when dipping jewelry into a sterling silver cleaner. It will absolutely discolor the pearls and gemstones, remove the patina and potentially permanently damage the metal. Never soak items purchased from us in sterling cleaner.
DO: Use a polishing cloth! This will gently and safely remove tarnish from many different metals and maintain the original patina that the artist intended. I recommend Sunshine Polishing Cloths or a similar product often found at your local big box or jewelry store. Every online jewelry order from Life Artfully Told includes a complimentary mini polishing cloth.
The best way to minimize tarnish is to properly care for your jewelry. To help prevent damage and reduce tarnishing, it is important not to swim, sleep, exercise, or bathe while wearing it. I also strongly recommend applying cosmetics, perfumes and hairspray prior to putting on your jewelry. A good rule is that your jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. For best protection, store individual jewelry pieces separately in boxes, plastic bags or plastic containers. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and store your pieces away from the humidity of the bathroom. Cool, dry storage equals less tarnish. If you any questions about how to clean your jewelry, please reach out. Stay cool!