How to clean silver jewelry in 5 minutes?

Cleaning silver, sterling silver and silver plated jewelry

Let’s start by explaining the difference between silver, sterling silver and silver plating:

• Pure silver contains 99.9% silver and is rarely used in jewelry making;
• Sterling silver jewelry contains 92.5% pure silver and is often mixed with another metal such as copper or zinc for added strength;
• Silver plating contains a very thin layer of silver that covers another metal such as copper, brass or bronze. Silver-plated jewelry is lightweight and requires very gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the coating.

As mentioned above, jewelry is usually made from sterling silver or silver plated rather than pure silver. Because it has a lower percentage of silver, it can, due to exposure to air and moisture, become duller and less vibrant.

Note: To find out what material your jewelry is made of, check the clasp. You’ll find a stamp that says “925/1000,” Sterling, a Minerva head, “92.5,” or “925.” If you don’t see any marks, your necklace or bracelet is probably silver-plated. You can also do another test: silver is not magnetic, so if your jewelry sticks to a magnet, it’s probably silver-plated.

What you will need to clean your tarnished silver

Now let’s get down to business and find out what equipment is needed to   maintain your jewelry. 

Equipment and tools

Instructions for making blackened silver shine

Below you will find different techniques to clean your jewelry and leave it looking like new.

How to clean silver jewelry with dish soap?

Step 1

• Place your silver jewelry in warm water;
• Add a few drops of liquid dish soap;
• Mix well until foamy;
• Soak the jewelry in the mixture for a few minutes (5-10 minutes).

Step 2

• Scrub your silver jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush;
• Thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas and crevices;
• Rinse with warm water.

Step 3

• To dry your silver jewelry, gently rub it with a silverware cloth or microfiber towel.

Good to know:

• Paper towels can scratch silver, so don’t use them to dry your jewelry;
• This soap cleaning method works for sterling silver and silver plated accessories;
• Your gemstone jewelry can also be cleaned with soap, but it’s best to talk to your jeweler first. If you’re worried about damaging your jewelry, don’t hesitate to have it professionally cleaned.

How to clean sterling silver with baking soda?

Step 1

• Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to make a paste;
• Gently rub the resulting paste onto the jewelry using a toothbrush;
• Allow the paste to dry completely;
• Rinse with water.

Step 2

• Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

How to clean silver rings?

To clean your rings, it is best to use the dish soap and water technique. Proceed carefully so as not to damage your jewelry and use a clean toothbrush to scrub the blackened areas.

Keep in mind that the different materials your ring is made of, such as pearls or gemstones, also determine how you can clean it. Vinegar, for example, can damage porous stones, and baking soda can scratch soft metals.

So before trying these products on your jewelry, ask your jeweler for advice.

How to clean silver chains and necklaces?

The silver chains you wear around your neck are often in contact with perfumed products, creams or even sweat and need personalized care. One way to clean them is to use aluminum foil to keep sulfur atoms away from the silver, removing tarnish and making your accessories shine.

Here’s how to do it:

• Cover the entire surface of a large bowl with  aluminum foil  ;
• Pour boiling water into the container;
• Add 60 g baking soda and  two teaspoons kosher salt  and mix until bubbles form;
• Place your jewelry in the container and stir gently, making sure your accessories do not rub against each other or the sides of the container;
• Let stand for 5 minutes;
• Remove your jewelry from the water and dry it carefully with a soft cloth.

Expert tips for keeping your jewelry clean and in perfect condition

To take care of your jewelry and prevent it from tarnishing and   losing its shine  , there are simple steps you can follow:

• When washing your hands, applying beauty products or using cleaning products, it is important to remove your rings;
• If you intend to  wear perfume  , apply it before putting on your necklace, bracelet or earrings;
• If you wear  beaded jewelry  , wipe it with a soft cloth as soon as you take it off to remove body oils and perfumes that can make it look yellow;
• Chlorine and sea water  can damage your jewelry, so remove it before swimming;
• Store your jewelry in an airtight bag before storing it in a box. Avoid exposing it to air frequently to prevent oxidation.