Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a sterling silver chain necklace, we’ll break it down for you. It’s actually pretty simple, and there are a variety of easy (and proven) methods that you can try at home. Unlike some metals, silver won’t rust or corrode; it can tarnish from exposure to humidity or certain chemicals, but it won’t be damaged. The tarnish can be removed from the surface and your sterling silver necklace will look as good as new.
There are several commercial silver cleaners on the market, but you can use simple combinations of baking soda, vinegar, lemon, salt, even toothpaste! The key thing is to establish a regular routine of cleaning your sterling silver chain necklace to keep it looking its best.
Understanding Sterling Silver
Like gold or platinum, silver is classified as a “precious metal.”There are many grades of silver, ranging from pure silver to coin silver, silver alloy, and more. Sterling silver is a blend of 92.5 percent pure silver with 7.5 percent copper; pieces are commonly stamped “925.” By contrast, fine silver, which is more expensive, will be stamped “999.”
Because it’s so easy to work with, sterling silver is considered the best kind for use in jewelry. That’s just one reason it’s used in the permanent necklaces from Forever Golden. It’s hypoallergenic, durable, and exceptionally affordable. Besides its classic elegance, another benefit of sterling silver jewelry is in its ease of care. Keeping it looking its best only requires occasional simple cleaning and thoughtful storage.
Preparing to Clean Your Sterling Silver Necklace
Cleaning your sterling silver necklace isn’t difficult, but it’s even easier if you prepare the needed items first. Depending on your preferred cleaning method, you may need some boiling water. Other methods may call for vinegar, baking soda, a gentle soap, aluminum foil, and a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth. Read the directions through first, then collect what you need.
Moisture is among the biggest causes for tarnish on sterling silver; ensure that you have a soft, dry cloth to wipe down your sterling silver necklace after the cleaning. And don’t let your efforts go to waste: give a thought to where you’ll store your silver necklace. It’s best in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, and where it won’t touch other jewelry pieces.
Cleaning Methods
Method 1: Soap and Water
Clean your sterling silver necklace by adding a few drops of gentle dish soap to a glass dish filled with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush to clean the piece and get into any crevices. Rinse your necklace with clear water, then thoroughly dry it.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Water Paste
Make a paste (wet, but not runny) by mixing a half-box of baking soda with water. Rub the paste onto your piece with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute. Rinse with cool water and thoroughly wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Method 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda
In a glass bowl filled with lukewarm water, add a half-cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. Let your sterling silver necklace soak in this mixture for two or three hours. Rinse the necklace with cold water, then let it air dry. Run a soft cloth over it afterwards.
Method 4: Commercial Silver Cleaners
There are many commercial silver cleaners. For a sterling silver necklace, a liquid is easiest to use. Read the instructions first, but typically, you add the liquid to a non-metal bowl and submerge your necklace. Stir for about 30 seconds, rinse with water, then dry with a soft cloth.
Method 5: Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Bath
Wrap your necklace in a piece of foil, shiny side out. In a bowl, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with hot water. Submerge your foil piece; cover with more hot water and soak for about 30 minutes. Use tongs to remove the piece, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Over the years, there have been many simple ways discovered to effectively clean sterling silver. You can soak your necklace in a bath of hot water, the juice of one lemon, and salt before rinsing. Some have used toothpaste for its gently abrasive properties. Centuries ago, silver got its shine restored after being soaked in the water that had been used to boil potatoes!
In these high-tech days, ultrasonic cleaning devices use tiny bubbles to gently loosen dirt and tarnish from jewelry. The only caution is if the piece features soft gemstones; ultrasonics may damage them. For intricate or valuable pieces that are badly tarnished, a professional cleaning by an expert is worth it; they know how to handle delicate jewelry pieces.
Tips for Preventing Tarnish
Like any kind of sterling silver piece, a sterling silver necklace can suffer from tarnish. It won’t affect the integrity of the metal, but it doesn’t look very attractive. Tarnish results from sterling silver being regularly exposed to humidity, moisture, certain chemicals, or sulfate gases. City or ocean air can cause tarnishing over time; so can regularly swimming in chlorine or saltwater without properly rinsing and drying the piece afterward.
How you store your sterling silver necklace or other silver jewelry will also determine if it will become tarnished. Keep it in a dark place, out of direct sunlight. To prevent moisture, you can add a dessicant, like a silica pack. Also, arrange your jewelry so that your silver pieces aren’t touching each other.
Proper storage methods
Store your sterling silver necklace somewhere that’s dark and away from direct sunlight and humidity. Moisture is a key factor in creating tarnish, so add a silica packet dessiccant to absorb any that might creep in. It’s also important that individual pieces of sterling silver don’t touch each other.
Avoiding contact with chemicals and moisture:
Wear gloves when using household cleaners. If you wear a sterling silver piece of permanent jewelry while swimming, rinse it with clean water afterward, then gently dry it. Store your pieces in a dark, dry place to combat moisture. Regular cleaning can combat the daily elements that can lead to tarnish.
Regular Maintenance:
A schedule of regular cleaning goes a long way in maintaining the brilliance of your sterling silver. There are so many simple ways to easily remove dirt, chemicals, and tarnish; create a maintenance schedule based on how often you wear your jewelry and stay consistent with that care.
Routine cleaning schedule:
The frequency of cleaning your sterling silver necklace depends on how often it’s worn. For a piece you wear often, clean it every other month. For less frequent wear, doing a cleaning a few times a year is sufficient. Naturally, if you spot any tarnish, get ahead of it.
Professional Cleaning Services
While there are many ways to clean a sterling silver necklace or other silver piece at home, there are times when a professional cleaning is the best option. Intricate, very tarnished or very valuable pieces require the expertise of someone who knows how to clean without causing any damage. If you’ve tried the various cleaning solutions and methods available, and are still unhappy with the appearance of your sterling silver jewelry, contact a jeweler. Either they can give it a professional cleaning or will know another expert who can. A professional cleaning can safely get into crevices to remove old layers of grime and tarnish. The cost of a professional cleaning varies by the piece; some jewelers include later cleaning as part of a purchase.
FAQs Section
Sterling silver is the choice for many types of jewelry, including permanent necklaces, for some very good reasons. It’s high-quality, hypoallergenic, and durable. As a precious metal, it’s easy to care for and keep looking great for years to come. All it takes is being aware of the things that impact its appearance, like tarnish. Tarnish is caused by things like exposure to chemicals, humidity, or pollution. The good news is that there are easy ways to combat those factors and keep your sterling silver necklace or other piece of jewelry in perfect condition.
Forever Golden offers beautiful permanent necklaces, as well as other trendy pieces in sterling silver. We’re happy to share our expertise in how to expertly care for them.
How often should I clean my sterling silver necklace?
Can I use household cleaners on sterling silver?
Is it safe to wear my necklace while swimming?
Conclusion
One of the reasons sterling silver is so popular for jewelry like a permanent necklace is its affordability, durability, and how easy it is to care for. Sterling silver is a great style companion for everyday life, and it only takes a few simple steps to keep it looking its best. The answer to “how do I clean my sterling silver necklace” or any other piece for that matter is, “It’s easy!” You have so many time-tested DIY cleaning options as well as high-tech machines that remove grime and tarnish. Or opt for a professional cleaning. With a little regular care and attention plus humidity-free storage, your sterling silver necklace will remain looking terrific for years! Any other questions? Get in touch at Forever Golden.
