Simple Steps to Clean Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Whenever we think of trendy jewelry, sterling silver accessories come to mind. Sterling silver jewelry is the latest offering by jewelry designers to the new generation. Gold still continues to cast its charm; but sterling silver has particularly made its way to the hearts of the new age men and women. All silver jewelry is not sterling; according to the federal law, sterling silver must be at least 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals/alloy like copper or platinum.

Like any other jewelry piece, sterling silver jewelry too needs to be well looked after to ensure long lasting luster. A simple way to clean Ster. Silver jewelry is by using baking soda. Just follow the instructions given below:

i. Boil the required amount of water so as to submerge all the sterling silver pieces.

ii. Line a glass or plastic dish with an aluminum foil. You can also use an aluminum pan in case you are not going to use it for cooking purpose in future.

iii. Place the jewelry items on the pan and ensure that the silver is in contact with aluminum.

iv. Sprinkle baking soda on the jewelry, just forming a thin layer.

v. Pour adequate water so as to just immerse the jewelry. Notice how bubbles are formed giving off a rotten-egg odor.

vi. Stir the jewelry pieces lightly with a wood or plastic stick to notice that the silver jewelry has regained its luster.

vii. Rinse your jewelry. Put a sieve over the drain to avoid losing small items like pendants or earrings.

viii. Use an absorbent towel to wipe the pieces gently.

ix. Polish with a soft cloth to give the final touch.

Since sterling silver tarnishes on coming into contact with moisture, it needs to be wiped dry before finally sealing it in air-tight containers. A chemical solution called tarnish dip is often used to remove heavy tarnish. Silver polish, too, can be used but it is not generally able to clean grooves and crevices.

If you find the entire process of jewelry cleaning too wearisome, you can give it to a trusted jewelry store for cleaning. Just make sure you assess the item before taking it home. Sterling silver jewelry carries two quality marks- sterling, ster., 925 or .925, while the other mark refers to the initials of the maker or a registered trademark.

You can also try out another home-check. Scratch an inconspicuous spot on the jewelry. Put a little drop of nitric acid. If the area turns grey, then it is sterling silver.

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