The price of gold has seen record highs this year, but that’s not the only reason to opt for silver jewelry. “Aside from its affordable price point, sterling silver is durable, and it wears well,” says Johanna Brierley, a Winnipeg jewelry designer who uses gold, sterling silver and gemstones in her work. “The character a piece takes on after years of wear makes it even more interesting.”
The big issue with sterling silver is that it’s prone to tarnishing. “Sterling silver is 92.5 per cent fine silver, which doesn’t tarnish,” Brierley says. “The other 7.5 per cent is an alloy like copper.” Since fine silver is quite soft and scratches easily, it’s not a great material for jewelry, silverware or hollowware (bowls, teapots, pitchers and candlesticks). By adding a copper alloy, silver becomes more durable, but it also reacts to air, humidity and chemicals, causing a tarnish or patina.
Proper storage, care and cleaning can keep your silver jewelry looking fresh and new. Read on for Brierley’s tips and cleaning advice for silver heirlooms like flatware and hollowware.
How to prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing
It’s normal for sterling silver jewelry to tarnish, and it won’t hurt the item — though it will require cleaning. To cut down on how often a cleaning session is necessary, wear your pieces often. “The more you wear sterling silver, the more it cleans itself,” notes Brierley.
That said, you’ll want to take your jewelry off before partaking in these activities:
If you won’t be wearing your jewelry, refrain from storing it in a humid environment like the bathroom. Instead, seal each piece in an airtight bag to protect it from moisture and air exposure.
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How to clean sterling silver jewelry at home
Your tools and technique will depend on how dirty the item is and the finish of the jewelry:
For a quick clean: If you’re going out in the evening and simply want to give your pieces a little shine, use a jewelry-polishing cloth. “Hagerty is a very established brand in the jewelry cleaning world,” says Brierley. “There is also Sunshine Polishing Cloth. I usually use the yellow one.”
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For a deeper clean: Brierley’s go-to is baking soda mixed with water. “I make a little paste and rub it all over the piece,” she says. “It’s good for chains. It will get into the links and the fine bits.” She’ll also gently scrub with a toothbrush, avoiding using too much pressure or tension because chains and other pieces of jewelry can stretch.
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For a polished finish: Baking soda can be abrasive and will give your pieces a soft patina. If the jewelry is ultra shiny, do not use baking soda. Instead, opt for silver polish.
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After you clean your pieces, make sure you rinse them with water and dry them well with a cloth or paper towel.
How to clean silver flatware and hollowware
J.H. Tee Antiques Ltd., an antique dealer in Vancouver, has plenty of useful tips for protecting silver household items and cleaning them if they become tarnished.
How to prevent tarnishing:
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Limit exposure to air by storing your pieces in a cabinet or chest.
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Keep your silver dry and do not leave it to soak in the sink overnight.
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If possible, avoid direct contact with salt, eggs, bleach, plastic wrap, plastic bags and rubber bands.
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If you’ll be packing your silverware away for a long period of time, ensure that it’s clean and dry, then wrap it in a cloth or tissue paper and seal it inside a plastic bag.
How to polish your silver when it’s time:
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Your first line of defence for silver that’s out on display (meaning it’s in the open air) is a silver polishing cloth or pair of gloves to remove light tarnish.
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When a cloth or gloves won’t cut it, choose a silver polish that also contains a tarnish-preventing ingredient. Goddard’s is a brand the antique dealer favours.
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For heavily tarnished areas, like fork tines, use a silver dip. It’s very strong, so only use a small amount when necessary.
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Want to hear what people are saying about some of Amazon’s best-rated silver cloths, polishes, mitts and dips? Here’s more info about the top picks:
Shop the best silver cleaning cloths, polishes and more
Amazon
With a 4.6-star rating after more than 4,200 reviews, this jewelry polish cloth “works like a charm.” It can be used on a range of metals including gold, silver and platinum. First, wipe with the white inner cloth to remove tarnish, body oil, cosmetics and dirt while layering on a tarnish-resistant barrier. Next, use the grey outer cloth to gently buff the jewelry to a shine.
Amazon
Recommended by jewelry designers and retailers alike, this cloth is thick and soft — perfect for polishing statement jewelry. After a quick wipe, pieces “look brand new,” says one Amazon shopper. In fact, the results are almost instant. Note: If you have an intricate piece, you’ll be better off with baking soda and water or a liquid polish that can get into all the little crevices.
Amazon
Free of ammonia, this mild silver cream is safe for sterling silver, silver plate, fine antique silver, chrome and more. Shoppers say it’s “easy to apply and non-abrasive,” plus it leaves behind a protective anti-tarnish coating, so you won’t have to polish your silver items as often. For all these winning qualities, it’s garnered 5,000 five-star reviews.
Amazon
If you’re after convenience, disposable wipes can’t be beat. These ones from Weiman have over 2,700 five-star reviews because they’re easy to use and are mess-free. “They take the misery out of polishing silver,” says one reviewer. Since they do create waste, they’re best for small polishing jobs, not an entire set of silverware.
Walmart
A go-to of antique dealers, this foaming silver polish easily dissolves grime and tarnish. It comes with a sponge applicator. Simply dampen the sponge in warm water, then work up a lather as you rub the foam over your silver items.
Amazon
Severely tarnished pieces may benefit from a strong silver dip. Simply dip the item in the liquid formula, rinse it and then buff it dry with a towel. You can also apply the liquid to a cotton pad or cloth and spot clean. “I have never been so pleased with a product,” claims one customer.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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