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Silver is a pure metal which is naturally softer than other precious metals such as gold. The silver used in creating jewellery is an alloy. 92.5% of the metal is silver and 7.5% copper. This combination gives silver strength and durability whilst still maintaining the luxury of the precious metal. Over time all silver will tend to tarnish. There are a number of reasons and solutions to this.
The surface of a piece of jewellery will generally take on a black or green finish, sometimes the surface can also turn a dark shade of yellow.
When silver is kept within standard levels of temperature, atmospheres and pressures silver is generally resistant to such things as air, water or corrosion. However, if silver is exposed to high levels of sulphur and oxygen hydrogen sulphide, silver can tarnish. Sulphur can be found within many products and items, such as natural fabrics like wool and felt, foods such as eggs, mayonnaise and onions, rubber and high humidity atmospheres. Acidic foods or solutions may tarnish silver but it is not common, however the copper within 925 silver may tarnish from exposure to these.
There a number of things to help prevent any silver jewellery tarnishing:
Salt: The sea can tarnish silver with the salt.
Chemical substances: Household chemicals or high alcohol content perfumes/cologne can react with the copper in the silver.
Chlorine: Swimming can react with silver and copper and create a green surface.
Storing: If jewellery is stored properly tarnish can be prevented. Keeping it is the box it came with, a soft interior with low levels of air, light and moisture. If you live in a high humidity area, desiccant crystals can be used to help this. Always clean silver before storing it for long periods of time.
Regular wear: Although this sounds ironic, the more jewellery is worn the less it will tarnish as it is washed regularly. As long as gentle substances are used tarnishing will not be a problem.
Polish: Use a polishing cloth regularly even if the silver does not look like it is tarnished.
Remove: Take off when doing such things as gardening, dishes or surfing etc.
There are many products, solutions and techniques on the market to help with silver tarnishing. The best thing to do to prevent or to solve tarnished silver is to use a good quality polishing cloth. Silver cloths use a soft cloth with has been soaked in a gentle cleaning solution which when used correctly can prevent and remove any surface colour (Instructions are included below for the polishing cloths included with every order).
Silver dip or solution is a common thing to use, however, DO NOT USE silver dip. Silver will tarnish but it can be removed with a cloth most of the time. If it is heavily tarnished due to age or to a severe reaction to a strong chemical it is best to seek advice and help from a profession jeweller. Silver dip is very abrasive, it can be used with heavy tarnishing but it is a product that can only be used in severe cases and can only be used a few times before it corrodes silver and destroys the fine finish of the surface. If silver dip is used please ensure it is washed off immediately afterwards with warm water.
A soft toothbrush is also another product which can be used, especially on fine, intricate items. Silver can scratch easily. But a soft brush will enable dirt to be brushed away without damaging the surface of the silver. It is sometimes efficient to do this before using a polishing cloth, especially with fine curb, cable or box chains.
When cleaning silver with any cleaner, it is wise to be careful with any other materials or stones that are set within the silver. Many cleaners can damage settings or soft stones, leather or steel.
1: Rub the surface of the silver jewellery with the inner white section
2: Use the black, outer section to buff the silver surface and remove any tarnish.
3: If a piece of jewellery is heavily tarnished, run the cloth under water to release more of the cleaning agent and rub the silver with the external black cloth.
The Polishing cloth is made from 100% natural materials and is non-toxic, non-abrasive, virtually odourless and is totally biodegradable
How to care for your jewellery.
Taking care of jewellery the easy way.
http://jewelry.about.com/od/silverjewelry/a/sterling_silver.htm
How to care for silver jewellery.
There are also more natural ways in which silver can be cleaned, by using household items silver can be polished and tarnish can be removed. The information about this is referenced below: