Beautiful bracelets, a ring from grandma, a chain received as a gift — every woman has silver treasures in her collection that she wants to keep eye-catching and as shiny as new, even years later. Unfortunately, many people rely on tips passed down from generation to generation that don’t always do their jewelry any favors. So here’s how to care for silver jewelry — and what to avoid at all costs.
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of storing jewelry is, of course, a classic jewelry box. If it’s made of a suitable material and has plenty of compartments lined with soft fabric, it’s a good idea. Avoid single-compartment containers, though. Not only can your sterling silver bracelets and chains get tangled, but you’ll also scratch your pieces while rummaging for the right one. On top of that, wooden boxes that look beautiful on the outside can give off sulfur compounds inside, which gradually tarnish silver. If you have a truly beautiful single-compartment box and really want to keep your jewelry in it, use small zip-lock bags to protect your sterling silver rings and keep them apart from chains and earrings.
All jewelry needs cleaning and care from time to time. A well-known trick used by moms and grandmas to bring back the shine is toothpaste. But not every toothpaste is suitable. Many pastes on the market today contain abrasive granules that will turn a shiny, polished surface into a nightmare. Another popular option is a silver cleaning dip, which usually works great for small, simple pieces. But what if you need to clean, say, a crystal bracelet set with stones? A product that isn’t meant for a particular type of stone can damage its structure, so the stone loses its beauty and shine. Take special care with delicate stones such as amber or turquoise. For these, it’s worth getting special jewelry cleaning wipes made for the purpose.
These are just the general rules for storing and caring for your jewelry. Contrary to appearances, silver jewelry is delicate and sensitive to contact with other materials. Follow the tips above and you can protect your pieces and keep them shining for many years to come.
