How To Clean Sterling Silver

Are you looking for a way to clean your oxidized silver jewelry at home?

In this article, we will explain how to clean silver jewelry at home, why sterling silver tarnishes, how to store your jewelry to prevent it from oxidizing quickly, and provide you with a technique to clean a silver necklace, chain, rings, earrings, and bracelets, or any type of tarnished jewelry at home and restore it to its original shine.

Why Does Silver Jewelry Tarnish?

Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, oxidizes when it comes into contact with ambient air. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and copper oxidizes by reacting to humidity in the air. That's why your jewelry can become tarnished if you store it in your bathroom or a humid environment. Chemicals like bleach, body and styling products can also speed up the oxidation process.

Tips to Help You Care for Your Silver Jewelry

• Store in a low-humidity environment: Keep your sterling silver jewelry in a dry place. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as it is the worst place for silver jewelry.

• Use airtight bags: Store each piece in small airtight bags, such as Ziploc bags. At Véronique Roy Jwls, we keep each jewelry piece in small Ziploc bags and store them in an airtight box with compartments to maintain their color and polish for a long time.

• Wear your jewelry often: Friction with the skin and natural oils can help protect and cleanse the jewelry.

• Clean regularly with a soft cloth: Use a soft dry cloth or a silver polishing cloth to clean your silver jewelry. Ensure the cloth is free of dust to avoid scratching the pieces.

• Avoid humidity and chemicals: Do not wear silver jewelry in the shower, pool, or hot tub. Humidity accelerates oxidation. Apply styling products, perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and makeup before putting on your jewelry, and ensure your skin has absorbed lotions before wearing the pieces.

How to Clean Sterling Silver

You will need:

• Salt or baking soda

• A bowl

• Aluminum foil

• Hot water

Here is how you clean sterling silver at home. This homemade DIY sterling silver cleaner is one of the best ways to clean your jewelry. Whether it’s tarnished earrings, rings, chains, or bracelets, this method restores the shine naturally.

Instructions:

1. Line the bottom of a bowl with aluminum foil.

2. Add a tablespoon of salt or baking soda.

3. Pour hot (almost boiling) water into the bowl and mix until the salt or baking soda dissolves.

4. Submerge the jewelry entirely in the mixture and let it soak for 5 minutes.

5. Rinse the jewelry under cold water to remove residue.

6. Use a soft or microfiber cloth to dry and polish each piece by rubbing in a circular motion. Apply slight pressure to make them shine!

This method effectively and gently cleans sterling silver and most gemstones, removing oxidation without scratching the jewelry. For heavily oxidized pieces, the method may need to be repeated.

Why Choose Véronique Roy Jwls?

At Véronique Roy Jwls, all our jewelry is handcrafted in our small studio in Montreal using sterling silver. Each piece is designed with care to ensure it’s unique, durable, and timeless. To make your life easier, every order comes with a polishing cloth, so keeping your jewelry looking new is simple.

Our collections include a wide range of pieces—from earrings, ear cuffs, and hoop earrings to necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each creation is thoughtfully made to last and to become a treasured part of your collection. Visit our website to discover the beauty of our handmade jewelry and explore pieces designed to complement your unique style.

Keep your jewelry sparkling and explore what’s new at Véronique Roy Jwls!