Keep Your Silver Sparkling
To maintain the original luster of your silver items, a little care and attention go a long way. Tarnishing is the most common issue with silver, but with the right approach, it’s something you can easily manage.
Why Do Silver Jewelry Pieces Tarnish? And how can you prevent it or restore its shine?
Exposure to Air
Simply being in an open environment can cause silver to tarnish. The culprits here are the hydrogen, sulfur, and other elements in the air that interact with silver over time.
Sweat
When it comes to jewelry, sweat is a major factor that contributes to tarnishing. The acidic nature of sweat speeds up the tarnishing process. Since the acidity level of sweat varies from person to person, the rate at which tarnishing occurs can differ as well.
Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals is another key reason why silver jewelry tarnishes. The usual suspects are perfumes, deodorants, creams, and soaps. The more frequently your silver is exposed to these chemicals, the faster and more intensely it will tarnish.
Humidity
While it might not seem like it, water is not entirely harmless to silver. Prolonged exposure to moisture or damp environments will eventually lead to tarnishing.
How Should You Store Silver?
When not in use, storing your silver jewelry under the right conditions can help delay or even prevent tarnishing. Avoid leaving your silver in humid places like the bathroom. The ideal way to store it is in a dry, clean, and airtight container. This helps protect the silver from harmful environmental factors. Small, sealable boxes are perfect for this purpose. If your jewelry gets wet, be sure to dry it thoroughly before putting it away.
How to Polish Silver?
Wondering why silver jewelry tarnishes often leads to the question of how to polish it. While it might be tempting to use common household items like vinegar, baking soda, or toothpaste, these can actually harm your silver. Though they might seem like quick fixes, they can cause damage in the long run.
Stick to professional products designed specifically for silver polishing. There are many such products available on the market that are both easy to find and safe for your silver. Not only are they more effective, but they also carry less risk of damaging your precious items.
