Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories

As Unique and Individual as You Are!

 

Home

 

Shopping Cart

CLEANING STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

 

 

Commercial liquid silver cleaners

 

These solutions work well for Jewelry that is all Sterling Silver but could permanently damage soft gems such as pearls, opals, rubies, and turquoise.  A small tub of silver cleaner can be purchased at any jewelry or department store for about $5-6. Quickly dip your jewelry in the basket provided, rinse with warm water, and dry thoroughly. 

 

Do not use this type of cleaner on bali silver or antique finishes and always remember to read manufacturers instructions before use.

 

 

A delicate solution is available especially for pearl jewelry but from my experience, it does not tackle the tarnish on Sterling silver very well.   For more on pearls, see tips on Caring for Pearl Jewelry.

 

Polishing cloth

Polishing cloths are perhaps the safest method but it can be quite tedious to get into all the nooks and crevices.  Two cloths are usually included; one for tarnish removal and the other for polishing. Gently polish taking care not to damage your jewelry and be especially careful around settings that may come loose. Avoid polishing gems and pearls with the cloth. 

 

Tumbler

A tumbler will make your Sterling Silver sparkle with lasting shine.  Your tumbler, however must be dedicated exclusively for jewelry. One grain of grit left over from rock polishing could do a lot of damage to stones and silver.

To use a tumbler for jewelry, add stainless steel shot, hot water (just enough to cover), and a few drops of blue Dawn dishwashing detergent.  Vibrate for 20 minutes (or longer in a rotary tumbler) and everything comes out sparking clean!  Sometimes an extra cycle is required for really grimy stuff so give the tumbler a rinse and repeat.

 

Cream of Tartar

 

I used this as a last ditch resort on a damaged piece and it worked very well.  However, the pearls in the piece did not survive and had to be replaced.

 

Dissolve 2 tsp of cream of tartar in boiling water and boil your sterling for 3-5 minutes.  Use a stove-top safe glass pot and a wooden spoon.    Rinse well and dry thoroughly.


Alternative methods: not all tried, may not be true

Toothpaste or Baking Soda with water 

 

Since these substances are abrasive, I would not recommend rubbing in a circular motion as this could cause scratches. Test on an inconspicuous area to avoid damaging your jewelry. Also, avoid buildup in crevices by rinsing and drying thoroughly.

Window cleaner

 

 Avoid using on any gems and again rinse thoroughly.

Baking Soda and Aluminum foil

 

An experiment in reverse chemistry. Essentially what you are doing is transferring the “tarnish” to the aluminum. 

Place a sheet of aluminum foil in a clean glass pan. Place your jewelry so they are not touching each other, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda, and add hot water.


 

Alka Seltzer

 

Drop two tablets into 8 ounces of water and add your jewelry. When the fizzing stops, rinse your jewelry and pat dry. If necessary, repeat.
 

 

MAKE YOUR JEWELRY LAST LONGER

 

Bathing, swimming, and sleeping with jewelry on is not recommended.

 

 

More tips:

 

Preventing Tarnish on Sterling Silver Jewelry

 

Caring for Pearl Jewelry

SHOP FOR JEWELRY

EARRINGS

NECKLACES

Etsy Store

 

ACCESSORIES

Necklace Extension

 

JEWELRY DISPLAY

Earring Display

 

JEWELRY GALLERY

Past Expressions

 

CUSTOMER CARE

FAQ/Policy

Shipping

Contact

About Adora

 

JEWELRY CARE

Tarnish Prevention

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Pearl Jewelry

 

JEWELRY INFO

Jewelry Materials

Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Chart

 

 

Vintage Style Crystal & Pearl Jewelry