Wired For You Silver Jewelry Cleaning
Have you ever wanted to wear your silver earrings or necklace and found it had turned hopelessly dark? Here’s my simple and easy home solution for cleaning your silver and copper jewelry that has tarnished. Note, you should not use mix both metals together in the same ‘bath’. Use a fresh bath for each type of metal.
When To Clean Your Jewelry
Over time, your silver jewelry may take on a yellowish or dark cast, which means the silver is oxidizing. This is also known as tarnish. If your jewelry starts to take on a cast, this is the time to clean it with a simple home solution you can make from common kitchen ingredients. Note, that silver which has turned very black will need professional cleaning. If you care for your silver jewelry and store it correctly, this simple cleaning method probably need only be done once every 18 months or so. If you use your silver wipe that came with your jewelry, this will also inhibit tarnishing.
Is It Safe?
Do NOT use this method on jewelry that has ‘soft’ gemstones like pearls, opals, etc. Do NOT use this method on silver jewelry that has been finished with a protective coating, or has been given an antique finish as this process will remove the protective coating and the finish.
This process is a chemical reaction which removes the tarnish. Discard any unused solutions. You can safely use this on all crystal and hard gemstones. However, if in doubt have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
What You Need
- Glass or Non-porous Measuring Cup
- 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
- 1 Tablespoon of Salt
- 1 Cup Water
- Small Bowl (think finger/desert bowl)
- Aluminum Foil
Process
- Line the bowl with aluminum foil.
- Add 1 Cup of water to the measuring cup. Heat in microwave 1 minute or until very hot but not boiling.
- Add the baking soda and salt. Stir until dissolved.
- Pour solution into the foil-lined bowl.
- Add your jewelry and make certain the jewelry touches the foil. Let your jewelry sit in this ‘bath’ for at least 1 minute, longer if necessary or until you see the yellow tarnish disappear.
- Rinse your jewelry under hot water for at least one minute to ensure all solution has been removed.
- Air dry thoroughly. You can also use a blow dryer on the jewelry on a low setting to make sure it is completely dry.
- Use a CLEAN jewelry cloth that has been treated with a polish, like the one you received with your jewelry or a Sunshine cloth. Gently wipe the jewelry and avoid using the cloth on any gemstones. The cloth will leave a polish that also inhibits future tarnish and will removed any remaining tarnish on the piece. Be gentle… it takes very little pressure to do this polish.
Professional Cleaning
I am more than happy to professionally clean any artisan jewelry piece created by me for a nominal fee plus shipping. Simply email me your request to make arrangements for this service.