What is Sterling Silver?
Pure silver is soft, too soft to create durable jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to enhance performance. One popular silver mixture (an alloy) is known as sterling silver.
Sterling Silver jewelry has become mainstream front and center. This timeless jewelry has dominated the fashion world for years because of the metal’s beauty, glamorous look, versatility, durability, affordability. Silver has been around for centuries just like gold but the lower price of silver metal has always given it an advantage. Silver can be dressed up or down, and is appropriate for any occasion.
Silver jewelry looks equally as impressive and exotic as gold but at a much lower price. And the color of sterling silver competes with the look of white gold or platinum at a fraction of the cost.
Sterling silver is a perfect setting for virtually any color of gemstone making it a great choice for reasonably priced rings, pendants and earrings showcasing either natural or created gems. Silver will continue to be seen in its usual form in earrings, bangles, cocktail rings, cuffs, bracelets, pendants and necklaces.
Just like your favorite little black dress, tasteful sterling silver has proven to be a true classic with a super fun twist.
Sterling silver is very low maintenance and it’s harder than gold and rarely gets dents or deep scratches. Most sterling silver jewelry only requires cleaning fingerprints and perspiration. Sterling silver will tarnish if left in contact with the air and will need polishing to buff and return the luster.
Sterling silver jewelry will last a long time if proper care, cleaning and storage is given.
Here are some tips to keep your sterling silver shining for years to come:
Silver Cleaning Polishing cloth
A soft silver cleaning polishing cloth is all that is needed for simple daily care of your jewelry and all sterling silver for that matter. Just gently rub the cloth over the jewelry back and forth to remove any fingerprints or perspiration until the silver luster is returned to its original shine
Silver Cleaning Solution
Use a specific silver cleaning solution to clean all sterling silver jewelry that has become tarnished or worn for long periods of time without daily cleaning. The cleaning solution is a good way to clean your sterling silver that has many crevices or is intricately. Simply dip the piece of silver jewelry into the cleaner solution and within a few minutes the tarnish will be gone. Rinse the silver jewelry with cool water and place on a cotton towel to remove most water. After a few minutes you can dab the rest of the piece and finish buffing with a silver polishing cloth.
Silver Jewelry Cleaner Paste
Use a thicker, heavier paste when your sterling silver jewelry is larger sized and without too many crevices to clean. To use silver jewelry cleaner paste, apply a small amount of paste onto a soft cotton cloth and gently massage the piece of jewelry to remove any residue or tarnished areas. Use a clean side of the cloth to give it a
Professional Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaning
Seek the advice of a professional jeweler for very intricate designs that are not able to be cleaned with a silver cleaning product.
Storing Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry will last a long time if stored properly. When air hits it, tarnish will quickly ensue although if worn daily, sterling silver will tend to tarnish much less frequently.
Use a jewelry box with a sterling silver lining that is made to prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing. Sterling silver jewelry can also be stored in air tight zip lock bags or a jewelry bag.
Avoid storing your sterling silver jewelry on wood since it may ruin your silver due to some chemicals in wood.