CARING FOR YOUR 925 STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
Silver is one of the Soul Reflection metals symbolic of the moon and feminine energies. It is cooling and soothing and is a perfect match for semi-precious gemstones when combined in beautiful jewellery.
Pure Silver alone is to soft to create jewellery, therefore copper (in most cases) is used and blended at a rate of 7.5% to a silver content of 92.5% hence most silver jewellery being hallmarked or stamped "925" The addition of the copper is what creates the tarnishing of the silver when it is exposed to certain chemicals/substances and gases/toxins in the air.
Here are a few tips to keep your silver looking at its best:
Polish with a Silver Cloth regularly eg: once a week;
Do not soak gemstone jewellery in most cleaning solutions as sometimes a jewellery glue is used to assist setting the gemstones and this can dissolve and ruin your jewellery. Also some Gemstones do not like water and being soaked!!!
For stubborn stains use a soft child's toothbrush and a mild gentle soap solution ... a touch of mild baby soap or dishwashing liquid in warm water is fine. Just remember do not soak;
Keep it in an airtight dry cool place (mini ziplock/resealable plastic bags are perfect although you can get specialist jewellery storage pouches too);
Store individually where possible to prevent scratching;
Remove all jewellery when swimming and using cleaning products due to chlorine, solvents and solutions. These will tarnish the silver;
If silver becomes excessively tarnished due to incorrect storage/long term exposure to air or substances. Try a silver cleaning solution available at most jewellery shops. Toothpaste is not recommended due to its abrasive nature (it will leave fine scratches) but in all honesty I have been guilty of using on my "Personal" pieces after a nasty fight with the bleach one time :( and after nothing else worked it did bring those particular rings back beautifully. The onus is on you if you choose this method;
If all else fails visit your Jeweller and seek professional cleaning advice;
Silver will naturally darken with age and wear although you can keep this to a minimum with regular polishing with a soft jewellery polishing cloth.
Most importantly like any good investment taking care of your Jewellery means it should last you a life time.
