Sterling silver jewelry is stunning, but it requires the proper cleaning, care, and storage to keep it that way. Without proper care, these items will tarnish and damage easily. Here are some tips and hints to help your favorite accessories look fantastic for years to come.
Storage
One of the most common reasons that sterling silver jewelry loses its appeal is the result of improper storage. Storing sterling silver jewelry and cz jewelry out without protection results in heavy tarnishing. The humidity and natural touching the material turn it from silver to a golden color before turning it black. This process is known as oxidization.
When you aren't wearing your favorite expensive earrings or cheap CZ jewelry, keep it in sealed air-tight plastic bags. Zip lock bags made of polyethylene or Mylar work best. You will want to choose the type of plastic you use carefully! Some varieties contain compounds such as sulfur that increase the rate of oxidation. Also, it's best to store each item separately to prevent them from tangling or scratching each other.
Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry
Regular cleaning needs nothing more than mild dish detergent and water. Simply rub the expensive item or cheap CZ jewelry with a soft 100% cotton cloth after dipping it in the cleaning solution. Take care to rub lightly in order to prevent scratching it with your fingers or by causing the dirt to scratch the surface. Once clean, dry it as much as possible and place the jewelry back into its plastic bag.
How you deep clean your accessories will depend on whether or not the jewelry contains gemstones. A polishing spray or paste works best on items that do not have any gemstones because these substances can harm the stones and detract from the beauty of the piece. Instead, use special sterling silver jewelry cleaner for items with stones. Some cleaners are safe for jewelry, but you will have to check the products carefully. In general, if you are unsure, avoid your gemstones!
How To Clean Expensive And Cheap CZ Jewelry
Rubbing in a circle pattern is one of the biggest mistakes people make. This causes minuscule scratches that dull your jewelry. Always rub each item in a lengthwise manner. If you can't seem to get the tarnishing out of the tiny nooks and crannies, use a soft bristled toothbrush or mushroom brush to remove the dirt and gunk efficiently. Once it's clean, rinse it with clear water, dry well, and place it back into your storage container.
Whether you spend your money on expensive sterling silver jewelry or cheap cz jewelry, you're still spending your hard-earned money! You purchase jewelry to adorn yourself with beautiful things and you want them to look great. To ensure they continue to look their best, clean them up often using these techniques and store them properly to enjoy them for years to come.
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