Cleaning Your Silver Bracelets and Charm Jewelry

Silver needs a little special care and attention to keep it looking as good as when you first bought or received it. 

When cared for properly, silver has a fabulous luster, but without proper care, it will tarnish as it reacts with sulfur and other pollutants in the air. The surface then becomes discolored. The higher the level of pollution in the air, the greater the tendency of silver to tarnish. If you live in a city, you have to take extra care of your silver jewelry. This doesn’t have to spoil your enjoyment of your silver jewelry, however.

It only takes a few simple steps to maintain the beauty of your silver jewelry. The first step is prevention. Store your silver jewelry in a dry place out of the air as much as possible. Humidity speeds up the tarnishing process. A container with a good seal or a plastic bag with a seal are a couple of options.

To keep a nice, rich shine, use a soft cotton or jewelry cloth to polish and buff your jewelry. In just a few seconds, you can achieve a lot. If a piece has a lot of tarnish or places that are hard to reach, such as a chain or ornate necklace, you might have to use a dip. Since each brand differs slightly, always read the directions. Generally, however, you submerge your piece of silver for 10 seconds and wash it with cold, running water immediately after taking it out. Then you dry and buff it with a cotton or jewelry cloth. Don't leave your jewelry in the dip too long, or it might leave a residue on the surface. Also, don’t dip silver jewelry with gemstones, as the ingredients in the solution might damage them.

While silver is fairly hardy, some chemicals can damage it. Chlorine, bleach, salt water, and suntan lotion are some of these chemicals. Don’t wear your silver jewelry when swimming, sunbathing, or using household cleaners. Many household cleaners can dull the shine of your silver jewelry.

By taking a little time, you can maintain the beauty and prolong the life of your silver jewelry. Your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will stay beautiful for many years to come.