What’s the Difference Between Pure Silver, Sterling Silver, and Silver-Plated Jewelry?
The composition of your silver jewelry will determine the best way to clean it and how easily it will develop tarnish. Pure silver, as it sounds, is made up of 100 percent silver, while sterling silver is an alloy, comprised of a mix of silver and another metal, such as copper. To determine if a piece of jewelry is sterling silver, look for a small marking on the inside of rings or bangles that reads “925,” which indicates that the piece is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent another metal. A silver-plated piece has a thin layer of silver over a base of another metal, such as copper or nickel. While all silver will tarnish over time, pure silver jewelry tends to tarnish more slowly.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
How to Use a Silver Polishing Cloth
Silver polishing cloths (such as this one from Target) are soft cloths designed to clean silver jewelry without scratching the surface. The cloths are typically infused with chemical cleaners, so they can be used dry, without the need for additional products or polishing creams, making them a mess-free (although not chemical-free) way to clean silver jewelry.
How to Use Silver Polishing Cream
You can use a jar of silver polishing cream—the kind you would use to clean silver dishes and serveware—to clean silver jewelry as well. This method works best for pieces with a larger surface area, such as a locket or pendant, rather than chains or delicate pieces.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry
If you’re certain that the jewelry you are cleaning is sterling silver (as opposed to pure silver or silver plate), baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance that will help clear away tarnish. Be careful, as baking soda can scratch other forms of silver.
How to Store Silver Jewelry
To delay tarnish, store silver jewelry in a jewelry box lined with velvet, which will help absorb moisture in the air. For special pieces, a velvet pouch will limit the amount of air exposure the jewelry gets, again helping to prevent tarnish.
