There’s something magical
about opening a new jewelry box and wearing a piece of silver jewelry for the
first time. Sterling silver has a shine, weight and a smooth, almost liquid,
finish that no other metals offer. It complements almost any outfit and looks
fabulous against every skin tone. Or, at least it does the first few times you
wear it. After just a few wears, you’ll likely notice your silver jewelry lose
a bit of its luster and take on a gold or gray hue. Pretty soon the tarnish
builds even more, leaving a black film on the surface of your prized piece.
What you hoped would be a treasured piece of your jewelry collection now sits
at the back of the box, looking worse by the day.
Though tarnish can look
dreadful, it’s not a death sentence. Cleaning tarnish off silver jewelry is
relatively simple and with a little care you can showcase your necklaces, rings
and bracelets rather than hoping no one looks too closely at them.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
While all jewelry can
look a bit grimy after too much wear and not enough cleaning, silver tarnish is
a bit more complicated than just built up dirt. Tarnish is actually corrosion
that forms over the metal due to a chemical reaction called oxidization. When
the silver reacts with hydrogen sulfide, found in air and water, the dark film,
called silver sulfide, forms. Happily, only the top layer of silver reacts this
way, which limits the formation of tarnish, prevents it from damaging the
underlying structure and makes it possible to remove. However, it’s not
possible to wash tarnish away with soap and water.
Daily Cleaning
The chemical process that
leads to tarnish is ongoing, making continuous care important. Since exposure
to water and air fuel the process, the key to keeping silver jewelry sparkly is
to clean it each time you take it off. Simply use a soft cloth to gently wipe
the surface of the piece. This removes moisture and the oils from your skin. A
quick wipe down not only halts the reaction; it may also be enough to remove
the gold or gray hue which marks the first stages of silver tarnish.
During your daily
cleanings, as well as during more thorough efforts, it’s important to remember
that silver is a soft metal that scratches easily. It’s tempting to scrub away
tarnish, but you’ll be left with shiny, yet etched, jewelry, which will be even
harder to clean next time. Instead, focus of gentle polishing motions in one
direction. Work in long swipes rather than rubbing in a circular pattern, which
can leave swirl marks on the metal.
Don’t let fear of tarnish
stop you from wearing your silver jewelry. Regular wear and cleaning is the
best thing you can do to keep the yucky black film at bay. Pieces that are
ignored for long periods of time are the hardest to bring the shine back to.
Commercial Silver Polish
If your jewelry has
already developed the dark or gray film, it will require a bit deeper cleaning
than a simple cloth wipe can provide. There are many silver polishes available
that, with the addition of a little elbow grease, are perfect for removing
stubborn tarnish.
When selecting a silver
polish, look for one especially for jewelry. Many polishes are labeled for
cutlery and dinnerware as well. These are usually a bit harsher and, though
they will likely do an excellent job of cleaning, they may damage stone accents
or other metals. You’ll also want to choose a nonabrasive formula that doesn’t
contain harsh chemicals. Silver polish is available in a variety of forms,
including liquid, paste and pre-moistened wipes. The wipes are the simplest to
use, but paste will provide the most through cleaning.
After reading the silver
polish instructions carefully, place a small amount on a soft cloth. Using a
gentle motion, wipe away tarnish. Rinse the jewelry in running water and then
dry.
An Easy Home Remedy
If you don’t have silver
polish on hand, or would rather use something with fewer chemicals, toothpaste
makes an easy alternative. Though it may not remove all of the tarnish, it will
bring silver back to life. Choose a basic paste, without added whitening
ingredients or baking soda.
If you are cleaning a
beaded, or highly detailed piece of jewelry you may not be able to clean all of
the nooks and crannies with a cloth. A soft toothbrush swipes away tarnish in
tight places. However, many people enjoy the look of a bit of tarnish in the
recessed areas. This patina and contrast can make the details stand out,
creating a unique look.
The Hot Water and Aluminum Method
Another popular method
for cleaning tarnish from silver jewelry involves yet another chemical
reaction.
- Start by
bringing one cup of water to a boil.
- Line a bowl
with aluminum foil with the shiny side up.
- In the
lined bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in the hot
water.
- Place
silver jewelry in the hot water mixture.
- Let sit
until the water cools, turning the jewelry occasionally.
- Remove
jewelry and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Technically speaking,
this method allows the aluminum to react with the silver sulfide tarnish. The
sulfur leaves the jewelry and attaches to the foil. But all that really matters
is the restored shine.