Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. Since pure silver is quite soft, other metals
are added to it in order to harden it and make it more durable. Copper is ofter
used, and as a result, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing. Tarnish is the
result of the copper interacting with gases in the atmosphere (oxygen, sulphur
etc.). Copper tarnishes faster in a moist environment.
In order to decrease tarnish, I store my sterling silver pieces in plastic zipper
bags or other airtight containers. There are commercial strips you can buy
that are advertised as preventing tarnish, but I have not tried them.
If you do get to the point that you want to clean you sterling silver pieces, you
can use soap and water if you just want to shine it up. Dry with a soft cloth.
Investing in a silver polishing cloth is a good idea, and using that when needed
will keep your pieces looking the way you want. Do NOT use toothpaste! It is
abrasive and will scratch.
Basically, prevention is the best way to preserve your jewelry, and after that,
use as little force and as few chemical agents as possible.
This ring is 100% sterling silver -
the colour you see is from a
product called Liver of Sulphur.
It produces a wide variety of
colours. In cleaning this ring, I
would want to shine up the silver
(to a point, I made it a satin finish
and would not want it completely
bright and shiny) without
removing the look of the LOS.
A polishing cloth, used carefully, would remove tarnish or leave it where I
wanted it. As you can see, there is patina on the band. I have removed it with
the same rough pad that gave the satin finish to the ring.
Copper
As sterling silver has risen in price, copper has become more prevalent as
jewelers try to make affordable yet attractive pieces. As stated above, it
tarnishes quickly. Some people like the look, and refer to it as patination, or
the patina of the piece. Depending on your preference, you might want your
copper shiny or aged looking.
To get it shiny, I use warm water, some salt and lemon juice. I generally use a
soft cloth or small brush, but you can also dip the piece and leave it for a
couple of minutes. I have also heard of people using ketchup or vinegar, but
be aware that both are acidic, and if you have gemstones, they might be
damaged.
Again, a soft cloth, polishing cloth and a bit of elbow grease usually works well
with most pieces.
These earrings are sterling silver with copper
hearts soldered on, and a pearl dangling below.
The pearl could be damaged by chemical
products, so I might apply some lemon juice and
salt carefully by a Q-tip, or just use a soft cloth
to try and shine the silver and copper without
affecting the pearl.
Depending on the look wanted, I might just leave
the copper to darker, and just shine up the silver
as needed.
Gemstone Jewelry
I was going to write up a chart, but in my research I found this one:
If you have a piece with multiple types of gems, always clean to the
requirements of the softest one.
Lampwork/glass Jewelry
This piece is a combination of
sterling silver (clasp, chain,
head pins), Bali silver,
Swarovski crystals (AB)
and lampwork beads.
In order to clean it, I would
have to take into account the
finish on the crystals and the
patina on the Bali spacers,
which I would not want to lose.
Properly annealed glass is fairly durable. This does not mean you should
whack it with a hammer or drop it on cement - it is glass and will chip, crack or
break if handled roughly.
However, in terms of cleaning, it is pretty simple. The glass itself is can be
washed with soap and water, and dried with a soft cloth. Again, no abrasives
or harsh chemicals.
Mostly, how you handle it will depend on what it is strung on (metal wire,
coated steel wire) and what other types of beads, stones or gems it is combined
with. Go with the recommended cleaning method for the component that is
most vulnerable to damage.
When in doubt, a polishing cloth or just a soft cloth is the best way to start.
That, and keeping pieces clean and away from moisture, chemicals, abrasives
and air. Wear your pieces, by all means, that is why you have them! Store
them properly and polish them intermittently. It is easier to polish something
when you put it away or as you are putting it on, than try and get off a lot of
gunk!
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