Caring for silver and silver jewelry

Ever wonder why sterling silver flatware is sold with a felt-lined storage chest; and why jewelry stores usually give you a small, soft cloth bag to keep your silver jewelry purchase in? The answer to these questions, as well as why some people seal silver items in plastic bags, lies in preventing one of sterling silver's worst enemies: tarnishing. Tarnishing is the term referring to the chemical reaction that turns silver items from a lovely reflective sheen to a dull, grey and even black finish. Tarnishing is actually an oxidation process similar to corrosion on copper and rust on iron and non-stainless steel. Substances that cause tarnishing of silver range from food items including onions, mayonnaise, salty foods, etc; sulfur and other elements in the air, rubber products (including rubber gloves) and even the salty residue on our bodies.

Storing silver articles requires keeping them away from air and sunlight. This includes jewelry pieces not being continuously worn. Silver chokers, broaches and other items not worn daily should be kept in soft felt-like bags specially made for storing silver items. Obviously, silver charm jewelry, rings, pendants and bracelets worn frequently will require more care including occasional cleaning. Jewelry pieces with hammered on inlaid designs are harder to clean once they tarnish. One must also be careful not to scratch the metal; as silver is one of the softest metals and is easily damaged.

When cleaning and polishing silver items including  silver jewelry, it is important to use a soft cloth, such as flannel, and a good quality silver polish, specially formulated for sterling silver. Use only a small amount of polish and rub sparingly – never in circles. Do not use a polish that is almost finished or has been sitting for a long time. The residue in the bottom of the container can be actually harmful to the metal and will damage it. Some people try to protect a silver's finish by apply varnish; but this is not recommended as the application is not always the same on the entire piece and tiny holes or 'pores' can become tarnished afterwards making the job of cleaning even more difficult. If you don't have silver polish, you can use a solution of non-phosphorus detergent and water for cleaning. Keep in mind that 'tooled' or designed silver have many pores and are harder to polish and clean. For very difficult cleaning jobs, taking the pieces to a professional silver cleaner is highly recommended.

Some very important reminders include never using rubber gloves to clean and polish silver; as well as never put the pieces into a dishwasher as the detergents are often caustic to the metal and can damage it.

If in doubt as to which polishes and detergents are safe to use on silver, always trust the advice of a silver dealer or jeweler. Never try to use ordinary detergents you have around the house. By taking proper care of your silver items, you can guarantee that they will remain beautiful for years to come.