If you’re sick of scrubbing your silver jewellery with harsh chemicals and polishing cloths, here are some quick tips to help you clean your precious metals and avoid tarnishing.
A quick way to de-tarnish a piece is to place it in a solution of equal parts water and salt. A few minutes of soaking will leave your silver jewelry shiny and tarnish-free. Another option is to try a homemade jewellery cleaner, like this one, that contains baking soda and water. This recipe is safe for most metals, including gold and silver.
This ammonia-free solution works quickly to remove tarnishing and leaves behind a protective coating that delays re-tarnishing. It’s ideal for removing small tarnishes, but may not be as effective for larger pieces. It also has a strong smell, so be sure to wear rubber gloves and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
If you have a large collection of solid-metal jewellery that requires a more thorough cleaning, this ultrasonic cleaner might be the right fit for you. It holds up to 12 ounces of water and can power through a cleaning cycle in just four minutes. Its high-quality ceramic heating element ensures your jewellery is safe, while the basket design reduces the risk of scratches.
Before using a silver jewellery cleaner, check to see whether your item is made of sterling silver or silver-plated. You can usually tell by looking at the clasp for a marking, such as 9.25, 925/1000 or S/S. It’s also worth mentioning that pure silver is not magnetic, while silver-plated jewellery often is.