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Care & Storage of Sterling Silver Jewelry
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Proper care of your sterling silver jewelry can mean many years of enjoyment with your jewelry continuing to look like new. Whether you are caring for earrings, a cuff bracelet, or a sterling silver men’s ring it is always best to take a few preventative steps to ensure you treasures will last a lifetime.
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Storing your Sterling Silver Jewelry
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Storing your silver jewelry in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time will normally cause it to tarnish. Wrap your jewelry pieces in tissue paper and store them in an air-tight zip-lock plastic bag when not wearing them.
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Cleaning your Sterling Silver Jewelry
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Type of cloth:
Clean your sterling silver jewelry with soft 100% cotton (non looped) or flannel cloth to rub off any excess makeup. Silver is a soft metal and is easily scratched.
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For light cleanings:
To remove light dirt use a bit of mild liquid detergent in 1/2 cup of warm water and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Remember; be careful because too much water or harsh cleansers could damage the polish on your gemstone rings, bracelets, or pendants. Dry completely before storing in an air tight zip lock bag.
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For deeper cleaning:
To clean away excessive tarnish, clean with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive brand name liquid or paste silver polish. Avoid your getting the polish on your gemstones. Leaving some of the tarnish in hard to reach areas can add definition to items such as cuff bracelet’s or birthstone gemstone rings. A silver jeweler’s cloth is the best way to remove tarnish from sterling silver bracelets, lockets, earrings and gemstone rings. Dip polish cleaners should be avoided because it can be harmful to your gemstones, making them dull. Avoid rubbing in a circular
motion; this may cause scratches. After using a silver polish, take a clean cotton cloth and remove any leftover cleaner from your jewelry.
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All metal cleaners have small abrasive particles that help them to clean, but these will inevitably cause fine scratches. These scratches are usually not obvious and after a time will blend with the fine scratches created by wearing the piece.
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About baking soda or toothpaste: Because both are abrasive, many jewelers recommend that you avoid using these products.
You should minimize exposure of your silver pendants, lockets, earrings, bracelets and rings to perfumes, hair spray, hand lotions, or household cleaners.
Avoid wearing your sterling silver jewelry in pools, hot tubs, or in the ocean.
With just a little care, you sterling silver jewelry will remain beautiful and be your treasures for a lifetime.
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