Sterling Silver Jewellery Care Guide
As a passionate jewellery maker, I understand the importance of preserving the beauty of your precious silver pieces. To ensure that your jewellery continues to shine brilliantly, follow these essential care instructions:
Tarnishing
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Over time, sterling silver naturally tarnishes, resulting in a darkish grey-black colour. This is a normal process for all silver jewellery. To minimise tarnishing and maintain the lustrous appearance of your pieces, proper care is crucial.
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Preventive Measures
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To protect your silver jewellery, avoid wearing it during physical activities, especially rings. Physical exertion and contact with sweat can accelerate tarnishing. Additionally, keep your pieces away from perfumes, makeup, and hairsprays, as these may contain chemicals that can tarnish silver. Consider putting your jewellery on at the end of your routine to limit its contact with these chemicals.
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Cleaning
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Clean your silver jewellery gently using warm water and mild soap. After cleaning, ensure thorough drying with a soft, lint-free cloth before storing. Avoid using abrasive cloths that could scratch the surface of your jewellery. Some textured pieces can handle a very soft toothbrush to help remove build up from behind stone settings, but use caution. This is not possible for particular finishes.
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Specialist Silver Polishing Cloths
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Consider using specialist silver polishing cloths designed to maintain the brilliance of your jewellery. These cloths, made of 100% cotton infused with special silver cleaners, effectively remove tarnish buildup and restore the original shine. Simply polish your pieces gently to bring back their radiant glow.
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Caution
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Exercise caution when caring for your silver jewellery. Avoid using silver dips, as they can remove the surface layer of the metal, making your items more susceptible to tarnish. Likewise, refrain from using cream cleaners or toothpaste, as they contain abrasive substances that can damage the finish of your jewellery. Abrasives and acids are not your friend. The finish of silver is preserved longest when the surface is smooth and highly polished.
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Storage
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Proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality of your silver jewellery. Don't leave your silver jewellery exposed to the elements! Leaving your jewellery in your bathroom for example can accelerate tarnishing due to the humidity of the environment. Store your pieces in a dry place such as a jewellery box or wrapped in a cloth. You can even use zip lock bags for added protection. Including silica sachets, often found in product packaging, can help absorb excess moisture and further safeguard your jewellery's condition. Bianca O'Neill packaging includes a small 'anti tarnish' tab that works in a similar way to silica sachets, so be sure to leave these tabs in the box your jewellery comes in.
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Remember
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It is recommended not to wear jewellery, especially rings, during workouts or other vigorous physical activities. Sweat and increased friction can lead to faster tarnishing and potential damage to your jewellery.
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By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your silver jewellery by Bianca O'Neill Jewellery retains its stunning appearance for years to come. If you have any questions about your silver jewellery, please feel free to get in touch.