Another popular belief: cold metal is an indicator of human health, and as soon as the owner becomes ill physically or spiritually, it darkens. This is only partly true. Silver jewelry does not have any magical properties. But illness or stress provoke changes in hormonal levels, sweating may increase, and body temperature may rise. The composition of secretions also changes, the amount of salt in sweat and hydrogen sulfide increases. And this directly affects the speed of the chemical reaction, and plaque forms much faster.
In addition, other factors influence the reaction: playing sports, as they provoke increased sweating and body temperature. Stress, which also affects the secretion of the skin glands and, as a result, increased sweat production. High ambient temperatures (for example, during the hot season, staying in a bathhouse or sauna) accelerate oxidation.
Chemicals, including household chemicals, also negatively affect jewelry. Sea water contains almost the entire periodic table, and, of course, affects metals. The process is also enhanced by air humidity.
- Cleaning
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Preparing for cleaning
To clean silver at home, you need to accurately determine the composition and sample of the metal, choose the right product and processing method.
Getting started with cleaning:
- Inspect the decoration and assess the degree of contamination.
- Choose a cleaning method based on the type of product.
- Prepare everything you need for cleaning: a container with warm water, detergent, napkins, cotton pads and swabs, dry flannel or velvet.
- Soak the items in warm soapy water for 10–20 minutes. for preliminary removal of dust, softening dirt, degreasing the surface.
If there is heavy soiling, especially on jewelry with stones, consider taking it to a jewelry store. Professionals using special means will be able to remove damage, restore an attractive appearance and restore the protective coating of the metal.
Foil, salt, soda and liquid soap
If you are interested in how you can clean a silver chain, then try the original method - boiling the product in a special solution using aluminum foil. This option is based on a chemical reaction that occurs due to the interaction of metals.
Cleaning a silver chain using foil, baking soda, salt and soap: YouTube/All the fun
Follow the step by step guide:
- Place a sheet of foil at the bottom of a metal container, matte side down.
- Prepare the solution: mix 500 ml of water, 20 ml of liquid soap or any other detergent, 50 g of baking soda and table salt.
- Pour the solution into a pan with foil. Place the container on the fire.
- When the liquid boils, place silver items inside the pan. If there is a pendant with stones on the chain, remove it.
- Boil for 20 minutes over low heat.
- Drain the water, remove the chain and rinse in water. Let it dry.
Cleaning silver with special means
Professional products are used in jewelry workshops to care for silver items of any kind. Special gels, pastes, sprays, shampoos and wipes quickly and safely remove tarnish, restore shine, and create a protective film on the metal.
You can clean silver with these products at home. You need to use them to wipe off dirt yourself, carefully, strictly following the instructions, observing the dosage and exposure time.
Let's look at the most popular compositions that can be purchased in jewelry workshops.
Talisman
An effective product for cleaning silver jewelry:
- Place the products in a small container.
- Pour in the product so that it completely covers the items.
- After 1-2 minutes, rinse the silver in running water.
- Dry and polish with velvet.
If there are a lot of items, the solution can be reused.
The liquid is not suitable for cleaning blackened silver, as well as items with natural or artificial stones and gold plated.
Talisman can be ordered in the online store. Cost per package of 150 ml from 150 to 250 rubles. depending on the seller.
HG cream
Professional product for cleaning and adding shine to dishes, cutlery, and decorative elements. The cream effectively removes plaque, brightens blackened areas, polishes the surface without damaging the metal. Suitable for antique blackened silver items.
To clean dishes or decorations:
- Wash items in warm water and soap.
- Apply a little cream to a napkin and treat the surface.
- After 1–2 min. Polish the silver until it shines.
The price for a 125 ml package of cream is 500–550 rubles.
Silberpflege Centralin
A gentle paste for cleaning all precious and non-precious metals. Safe for sterling silver, blackened items, rhodium-plated or gold-plated jewelry. The product effectively removes plaque, brightens the metal, and creates a protective film against oxidation on the surface.
To clean silverware or jewelry:
- Apply a little paste to the sponge.
- Spread evenly over the surface. Leave for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse under running water.
- Wipe dry.
A tube with a volume of 75 ml can be purchased for 250 rubles. in any online store.
When choosing a professional silver care product, consider the grade, type of metal and the presence of stones in the jewelry.
Silver cleaning products
Why do silver rings darken and lose their shine?
Ag is a silver-colored precious metal whose ions react with various substances, usually forming a coating on its surface.
The main causes of darkening are:
- interaction with sulfur contained in some medications, human sweat, air and water;
- exposure to aggressive chemicals contained in cosmetics, cleaning products, and detergents;
- the presence of a high percentage of copper in the alloy (the lower the sample, the more copper).
In addition, a silver ring will become dirty if you do not remove it before working in the garden, while cleaning the house, etc. Earth and dust, reacting with human sweat, are rubbed into the metal, both the inner surface and the area where The stone is attached and darkens first.
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Superstitious people have their own explanation for this change in the surface of silver jewelry. It is believed that products made from this metal absorb negative energy and thus ward off the evil eye and damage. Of course, this version is far from scientific. In addition, the darkening process is also influenced by taking medications containing sulfur compounds. They are excreted from the human body through sweat and react with metal.
Cleaning jewelry with stones
Turquoise
Pomegranate
Pearl
Emerald
Coral
Moon rock
Malachite
Ruby
Sapphire
Topaz
Amber
Jasper
Jewelry inlaid with precious or semi-precious stones requires careful selection of cleaning methods depending on their type:
- Aquamarine, emerald, sapphire are dense stones that are not afraid of high temperatures and active processing. To remove plaque, wipe the metal with alcohol and polish with soda.
- Turquoise, moonstone, malachite - have an average area; do not tolerate prolonged contact with water, rough friction and hot water. Soapy water, soda slurry or diluted alcohol are suitable for cleaning.
- Amber, mother-of-pearl, and pearls should not be washed with aggressive agents, boiled, or cleaned with brushes. To lighten silver, go over the surface with a school eraser and wipe the stone with a damp cloth. Aggressive compounds can cause pearls to turn yellow.
When starting to clean, find out what kind of stone is set in the ring or earrings. If accurate information is not available, wash your jewelry with warm water and soap or contact your jeweler.
How to clean silver with stones
How to clean blackened silver
Products made from blackened silver are distinguished by an abundance of decorative elements: recesses, grooves, and ornaments.
Such items require regular care to remove dust, dirt, and plaque.
To properly wash blackened silver at home:
- Pour 1 glass of warm water into a deep cup, add 2 tbsp. l. liquid soap.
- Add a pinch of salt.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are completely dissolved.
- Immerse the silver in the solution and leave for 30 minutes.
- Gently clean the metal with a soft cloth.
If you need to freshen dishes, candlesticks, rings or any other items with a smooth surface, use a quick cleaning method using a school eraser. Spot-process the metal until it shines, being careful not to touch the blackened areas. Then, rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Old blackened silver heirlooms are more resistant to cleaning and polishing than new jewelry. Modern production technology involves chemically applying a thin film, creating the effect of darkening individual areas. With active exposure, the coating quickly wears off and white spots appear.
To clean blackened silver items, do not use acids, alkalis, abrasives, boiling water, or alcohol compounds.
Precautionary measures
When working with ammonia, given its characteristics as an excellent solvent and the presence of a pungent odor, we must not forget about precautions: the skin of the hands should in no case come into contact with the solution, since ammonia, being a solvent, can corrode the skin.
If the mixture accidentally ends up on it or on mucous membranes, you should immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water, and then consult a doctor. Therefore, when cleaning the product, you must remember to wear rubber gloves; to remove the soaked product from the dish, you can use tweezers.
If it is necessary to clean tableware from blackness, it is advisable to replace ammonia with an alternative agent. If the product is poorly washed, the remains of ammonia may end up in the body and cause poisoning or burns.
One of the disadvantages of this method is the pungent odor, which is so dangerous that if you do not take precautions, inhaling the vapors can cause poisoning. Therefore, bending your head over an open bottle of ammonia, as well as breathing in vapors, is strictly not recommended. Fortunately, the unpleasant odor dissipates very quickly, so in order for the unpleasant odor to disappear as quickly as possible, cleaning should be carried out in a well-ventilated area.
How to clean rhodium plated silver
Silver earrings or rings coated with rhodium, when properly cared for, are not subject to corrosion; they retain their appearance longer and do not darken. To clean them at home, do not use ammonia-containing, alkaline or acidic products.
The most effective and safest method:
- Prepare a soap solution from any foaming composition (liquid soap, dish soap, shampoo).
- If significant contamination is noticeable in the relief, fasteners, or hard-to-reach places, leave the silver in the composition for 10–15 minutes. Rinse under running water.
- Dry with a soft microfiber or flannel cloth.
- To make silver shine, apply a few drops of glycerin to a cotton swab and treat the metal. Polish with velvet.
Soap and glycerin degrease the surface well, remove plaque and dirt, and restore shine. In addition, the method is safe for products with stones.
Soap solution
The easiest way to clean silver at home is with a light soap solution. It won't help with serious stains, but it will wash away everyday dirt and remove minor discoloration. To do this, immerse rings and earrings in a cup of liquid, and after 15 minutes, wipe them with a soft toothbrush.
Photo: samodelino.ru
How to clean matte silver
Matte silver items can be washed at home with soapy water or potato broth:
- Rinse and peel the tubers well. Cook it.
- Place decorations in a warm broth (without potatoes!). Leave for 2-3 hours.
- Wash the metal with a soft cloth and rinse well.
- Polish with velvet.
To remove grease and dust stuck in the relief:
- Prepare a thick paste from potato starch and water.
- Place a little mixture on a soft toothbrush and brush the jewelry.
- Rinse with warm water, wipe dry with a napkin.
To remove blackness from matte silver, use only soft compounds without abrasives. Boiling, pouring hot water, or rubbing with hard brushes is prohibited.
Toothpaste
Cleaning silver with toothpaste is a classic, familiar to our mothers and grandmothers. Bleaching agents and microscopic abrasive particles remove blackness from even complex embossed jewelry with decorative weaving. A more radical method is a paste of tooth powder and ammonia.
Photo: rtp-news.com
How to clean gold-plated silver
To clean gold-plated silver jewelry:
- Apply a little vinegar to a cotton pad.
- Carefully treat the surface. To wash the relief, clasps, frames, use a cotton swab.
- Rinse the metal under running water and polish.
To restore shine and brighten gold-plated silver when heavily soiled:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp in a glass of water. l. alcohol and 2 tbsp. l. vinegar.
- Soak the silver for 5-7 minutes.
- Clean with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with running water.
The gilding layer is very thin. It can be easily damaged by abrasives or hard tools.
How to clean gold plated silver
Lipstick
Do you think this has anything to do with lipstick and silver? And we are ready to surprise you, because this is one of the most effective cleaning methods. The secret is simple: fats and titanium dioxide in the composition, which perfectly dissolve, clean and polish metal. Simply coat your silver jewelry with lipstick and rub it with a cotton pad or woolen cloth until it squeaks.
Photo: becomegorgeous.com
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Cleaning a product with enamel
To clean silver with enameled inserts, do not use aggressive agents, abrasives, or brushes.
To remove oxidation, use lipstick:
- Thoroughly lubricate the entire surface, indentations, protrusions, and fasteners.
- Leave for 10 minutes.
- Remove lipstick with a microfiber or flannel cloth.
Clean the frame specifically, being careful not to get it on the decorative elements.
Enamel does not tolerate prolonged contact with water, sunlight, acids, or alkalis.
Additional recommendations
Proper care and storage will ensure the attractive appearance of jewelry, dishes, and cutlery.
What to do to prevent silver from tarnishing
Silver turns black when in contact with water, detergents, cosmetics, sweat, and other metals. To prevent jewelry from darkening:
- remove them before showering, bathing, washing or active training;
- wear rings, earrings and chains after applying cosmetics;
- store jewelry in a box, place them in separate cells or fabric covers.
Carry out preventive cleaning of even unused jewelry in a timely manner. Wash them in warm water and soap 2-3 times a year, wipe them thoroughly from moisture, and apply a protective coating.
What not to clean silver
High-quality 925 sterling silver will withstand cleaning with any detergent: alcohol, ammonia, soda, toothpaste. Only caustic household chemicals, bleaches, solvents, and hard abrasives are prohibited.
It is better to wash combined products, jewelry with coating, stones, and decorative inserts with soapy water or treat them with special products.
Silver is a capricious metal that is sensitive to environmental influences. Timely care, adherence to wearing rules and proper storage will help maintain its attractive appearance, shine and radiance.
