Jewelry Care
What is the best way to prevent my sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing?
To keep your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing, you should store it in an airtight container such as a zip lock bag, wooden, stone or plastic box somewhere other than your bathroom. You should also avoid spraying it with perfume or rubbing it with lotion. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. Please note that rubber and latex could burn silver so please separate them.
Sterling silver tarnishes from the presence of Hydrogen Sulfide in an material that silver comes in contact with. Sulfur containing material generally cause silver to tarnish. It is also relating to the climate – high humidity results in silver tarnishing much faster.
How do I clean my silver?
I find the best way to clean your silver is to use a rock tumbler. These are available at Harbor Freight - http://www.harborfreight.com/. However, you should not use the tumbler if your jewelry is also made with stones or crystals. It is also not recommended for beads strung on beading wire. You may use silver cleaner available at your local store if you do not have a tumbler or use Pro-Polish pads.
What is the difference between sterling silver and fine silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other materials, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. Sterling is what is typically used in making jewelry and other large objects since the copper or other alloys give it strength.
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