Silver jewellery can look beautiful and complement a wide variety of outfits, but if it isn’t properly cared for, it can become dull or tarnished. This is due to a chemical reaction called oxidation that can be accelerated by skin cream, salty air and chlorine in swimming pools as well as by cosmetics, perfumes and sunscreen. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to keep your silver jewellery looking new.
One simple and effective method is to clean your silver regularly with mild hand soap. This is a great solution for everyday use and can help to prevent tarnishing from occurring in the first place. Another preventative measure is to place a small piece of chalk in the box or drawer where you store your jewellery – this will absorb some of the excess moisture that can cause tarnishing.
If your jewellery has already tarnished, there are also a few other household staples you can use to get it looking good again. Creative director Alexis suggests filling a bowl with hot water, adding salt and baking soda and then dipping your silverware or jewellery in the solution for a few minutes. You can then remove your jewellery with kitchen tongs, rinse it in lukewarm water and dry it with a cloth.
For more stubborn tarnishing, you can try soaking your silver pieces in vinegar. To do this, simply mix a cup of white vinegar with a teaspoon of baking soda and soak your jewellery for a few hours to remove the tarnishing. Make sure to rinse the jewellery thoroughly afterward and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel. how to clean silver jewellery