How do I clean and care for my silver jewelry?

Silver jewelry, and especially pure silver jewelry, is quite malleable, and can become susceptible to various hazards including scratches dents, heat and humidity damages, not to mention tarnish and discoloration. Here are some useful tips on how to store and care for your precious silver jewelry:

1. Storing silver jewelry out in the open can cause the jewelry to tarnish. Humidity and fresh air can cause your silver jewelry to oxidize, which will first turn the metal gold then black. Therefore, when not wearing your silver jewelry it is important to store it in zip-lock air tight bags or bags made out of protective anti-tarnish cloth. However, you must make sure not to use polyvinyl plastic bags, since these bags are made with sulfuric chemicals which may cause your silver jewelry to tarnish even faster.

2. Since silver jewelry can be malleable, store each item separately so the jewelry won't rub together and get dented or scratched.
 3. Avoid storing your silver jewelry in boxes made out of wood. Wood contains acids which tarnish silver jewelry. Also, avoid storing your silver jewelry with other metal jewelry, since silver is so susceptible to tarnish, other metals and their compounds may damage the silver jewelry.
 4. Clean your silver jewelry with %100 cotton cloth. Avoid rubbing it too briskly, since the jewelry may scratch. Coarse or rough cloth such as polyester or simple paper should not be used to clean your silver jewelry since these materials may cause it damage.
 5. You could clean your silver jewelry using a soft bristled brush, like a baby's brush. The soft bristles will not scratch the silver jewelry's surface. Though you should try to avoid rubbing the jewelry too briskly.

6. If your silver jewelry requires some light cleaning, use warm water or a very mild detergent and rinse out the jewelry thoroughly. Make sure the jewelry is completely dry before storing it in a zip-lock bag or cloth.

7. If your silver jewelry requires deep cleaning, I suggest taking the item to a licensed jeweler to have it professionally cleaned. If you cannot afford having a jeweler clean your silver jewelry, try silver cleaning paste or spray. Make sure not to use too much product on your jewelry. If your silver jewelry has gemstones set in it then avoid using silver cleaning products, since they can harm the structural integrity of said gemstones.

8. If your silver jewelry contains precious gemstones, avoid using silver cleaning products or rough cloths to polish your silver jewelry. Certain gemstones, such as turquoise or opals are malleable and can be damaged quite easily if not cared for properly. I recommend taking your gemstone encrusted, silver jewelry to the jeweler to have it cleaned, or just use warm water and a soft cloth to polish the silver jewelry off.

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