The versatility and shine of sterling silver make it a great choice for quick and easy accessorizing. When you add this to the fact that it can be used with almost any outfit, and that it is perfect for most occasions, it is easy to see why it should be a mainstay in every person’s jewelry collection.
However, sterling silver jewelry gets tarnished. Tarnishing dulls the silver and diminishes its ability to highlight your style. It can also cheapen your look. The good news is that you can prevent tarnishing of your silver jewelry. The following are tips that will come in handy in helping you to keep your sterling silver pendants from getting tarnished.
Dry your pendants
Water contains chemicals that react with the surface of silver pendants. This reaction then creates an ugly layer that then forms the tarnish. Keeping your jewelry dry is therefore an important step as far as keeping your jewelry shiny is concerned.
To protect your silver pendants from the damaging effect of water, take them off when you are going swimming. This will protect them from the corrosive effects of chlorinated water. You should also take them off before jumping into the shower or taking a bath in a hot tub.
However, if you accidentally expose them to any of these environments, it is important to remember to dry them. Make sure that you do so immediately as it will minimize the time that the pendants are exposed to the damaging effect of moisture.
Follow the best practices guidelines on silver storage
Moisture and air exposure are bad for silver jewelry. Therefore, when storing your pendants, you should make sure that you protect them from these elements.
Use air-tight bags to store them. They will keep both air and moisture off the surface of the pendants. To make them even more tarnish-free, you can insert silica gel packets into the bags. These bags will absorb any moisture that forms in them, or any that exists in the air, and as such will significantly reduce the chances of tarnish-inducing reactions.
Store silver jewelry separate from pieces made from other materials. This, in addition to avoiding bunching them together, will help to prevent both tarnishing and scratching of the jewelry. Purchasing an airtight storage case with different compartments will make it easier for you to keep your jewelry separated, and it is thus something that you should do.
Remove your jewelry to protect it
When you are applying makeup, lotion, or styling your hair with hair products, you should take off your jewelry. These products contain compounds that are known to react with silver. Using them with your jewelry will, therefore, expose the jewelry to tarnish-causing chemicals that will cause it to lose its shine.
Your sweat also contains chemicals that can react with silver. This is so especially if you use facial creams, lotions, or deodorants. Therefore, you should take off your jewelry every time you intend to exercise or engage in any type of physical activity that causes you to sweat.
Polish your silver pendants regularly
Silver jewelry needs to be regularly polished for it to retain its shine. You can do this by simply using a mild soap and water. Homemade cleaners like baking soda and saltwater are also effective. And if you are looking for a more-professional polishing result, you can opt for professional-grade cleaners.
To ensure that you give your jewelry the appropriate care — and that you don’t overdo it — it is always advisable that you find out the rating of your silver. Knowing your silver’s rating will enable you to know how often you need to polish it.
Generally, silver that has a rating of .925 does not need as much polishing as silver that has a rating of .950. Being armed with this knowledge will make you aware of your pendants’ needs, something that will definitely go a long way towards enabling you to eliminate any risks of tarnishing.