The Timeless Beauty of Sterling Silver : Nursing Method & More
Aug 29,2024 | AKAK Jewelry
Known for its classic elegance and durability, sterling silver is the preferred choice for fine jewelry and accessories. However, to maintain its shine and avoid tarnishing, it's vital to know the proper care techniques. In this blog post, we'll delve into the unique appeal of 925 sterling silver ear jewelry and share some effective tips to keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.
1.What is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 Sterling Silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This alloy increases the hardness and durability of silver, making it more suitable for jewelry making. 925 Sterling Silver retains the beautiful luster of silver while being stronger and more durable.
2.Why silver loses its luster?
Silver tarnish happens when silver reacts with sulfur in the air, forming a silver sulfide layer that dulls its shine and creates a dark or yellowish film.
Many things in your everyday life can cause your silver to tarnish. These include
- Hand creams
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Makeup
- Chlorine from swimming pools or cleaning chemicals
- The PH of your skin
- The air around you, especially if it's humid
3.How to Restore Shine to Silver Jewelry
Use a silver jewelry cleaning cloth
Use a special silver cleaning cloth to gently wipe your silver jewelry to remove tarnish and oxides from the surface.Order from AKAK jewelry and receive a complimentary special silver cleaning cloth with your purchase.
Warm water and soap solution
Soak silver jewelry in a solution of warm water mixed with a small amount of neutral soap (such as hand sanitizer). Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, especially for tarnish in engravings or grooves. Then rinse well with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Silver Cleaner
Use a commercially available silver cleaner and follow the product instructions. Apply the cleaner to the silver jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Homemade cleaner
A paste of baking soda and water can be used. Apply the paste to your silver jewelry, wipe gently, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Use cleaners or metal cleaning brushes with abrasive particles, which may scratch the surface of silver jewelry.
4.Notes on Sterling Silver Maintenance
Avoid contact with chemicals
Avoid contact between silver jewelry and chemicals such as cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, etc., as these chemicals may accelerate the oxidation and tarnishing of silver.
Regular Cleaning
Gently clean your silver jewelry regularly with a special silver cleaning cloth or a solution of warm water and soap to prevent the accumulation of tarnish and oxides.
Avoid humid environments
Store your silver jewelry in dry environments and avoid prolonged exposure to humid air, which can accelerate the oxidation of silver.
Avoid contact with water
Try to avoid wearing your silver jewelry while swimming, bathing or doing household chores, as these activities may cause your silver jewelry to come into contact with water and chemicals, increasing the risk of oxidation.
Regular Inspection
Check your silver jewelry regularly for any damage or looseness and repair it promptly to prevent damage from expanding.
Wipe Carefully
When using a soft cloth to wipe your silver jewelry, do so gently to avoid scratches caused by excessive force.
Avoid excessive wear and tear
Avoid direct contact between silver jewelry and other hard objects to avoid scratches and wear.
5.Q&A
Is 925 silver good quality?
Made from a blend of sterling silver and other metals, it is strong and durable while maintaining its luster and elegance.
Is 925 silver real or fake?
S925 is genuine sterling silver, offering excellent quality and durability.
Why is 925 silver so expensive?
925 silver is considered valuable because it contains 92.5% pure silver, which gives it high quality and durability. This high silver content and the craftsmanship involved make it more expensive than other metals.
Will toothpaste clean 925 silver?
Yes, toothpaste can clean sterling silver. Use non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste with a soft cloth, scrub gently, rinse with water, and dry with a clean cloth.
How to make 925 silver shiny?
To make silver shiny, use a silver cleaning cloth, mild soap with warm water, or silver polish. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Does 925 silver rust?
No, 925 silver does not rust. Over time, it may react with sulfur in the air and discolor, but this, unlike rust, does not affect the integrity of the metal.
How to check if silver is real?
Magnets can be used. Silver is non-magnetic, so if the magnet sticks firmly, it's not silver. Look for hallmarks such as “925” and perform other tests for a comprehensive assessment.