Silver jewellery is prone to tarnishing, which can leave it looking dull or even black. Tarnishing occurs when silver comes into contact with oxygen and sulfur in the air. While tarnishing is inevitable, it doesn't damage the metal and can be easily removed with proper cleaning.
How to prevent tarnishing:
Wear your silver jewellery regularly:
Wearing your silver jewellery slows down the tarnishing process.
Store and wear silver carefully:
Proper storage and handling can help reduce the rate of tarnishing.
Remove silver rings and bracelets when washing your hands to avoid residue from soap and hand gels, which can cause a dull surface.
Store silver jewellery in separate airtight bags.
Avoid humid environments.
How to clean silver:
1. Use a specialist cleaning solution or cloth:
Purchase a cleaning product or cloth specifically designed for silver. Silver cleaning cloths should be soft and infused with anti-tarnishing agents.
2. Clean with mild dish soap and water:
If you don't have a specialist cleaner, a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid can help remove tarnish.
-Soak the silver jewellery for ten minutes.
-Gently scrub with a soft, clean brush.
-Rinse in clean, warm water.
-Leave to air dry.
3. Tackle stubborn tarnishing with white vinegar and water:
-Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
-Soak a clean toothbrush in the solution and gently brush the tarnished areas of silver.
-Rinse and leave to air dry.