Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% silver, and 7.5% copper. Copper oxidises out in the open and so our silver jewellery can eventually turn black.
Well some wearers enjoy the effect of the oxidation. In the 1960’s silver jewellery was very popular, and artists came up with some amazing and interesting designs. Often the nooks and crannies of their designs were oxidised black from the beginning and that look was sought after.
However, there may come a time when you don’t want the oxidised look, and feel that your silver jewellery is ready for a good tidy up.
To clean your silver jewellery, prepare a basin of hot water, don’t do it in the stainless steel sink because the two metals don’t marry well, and don’t wear rubber gloves, because they emit sulphur.
Put 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the water and place a small sheet of aluminium foil to the bottom of the bowl. Dip the items into the bowl, rub with a soft cloth. Then rinse, and dry well.
Silver will always turn black, sooner or later depending on the level of humidity that it is exposed to. In the more humid climates silver can turn black very quickly. For the most part, just a gentle rub with a soft cloth is best.
Well some wearers enjoy the effect of the oxidation. In the 1960’s silver jewellery was very popular, and artists came up with some amazing and interesting designs. Often the nooks and crannies of their designs were oxidised black from the beginning and that look was sought after.
However, there may come a time when you don’t want the oxidised look, and feel that your silver jewellery is ready for a good tidy up.
To clean your silver jewellery, prepare a basin of hot water, don’t do it in the stainless steel sink because the two metals don’t marry well, and don’t wear rubber gloves, because they emit sulphur.
Put 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the water and place a small sheet of aluminium foil to the bottom of the bowl. Dip the items into the bowl, rub with a soft cloth. Then rinse, and dry well.
Silver will always turn black, sooner or later depending on the level of humidity that it is exposed to. In the more humid climates silver can turn black very quickly. For the most part, just a gentle rub with a soft cloth is best.