How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry has been cherished for centuries and was used even before gold, appearing in luxury pieces such as royal crowns in ancient times. It’s a beautiful, bright metal that can be used in all types of jewelry, from chains to rings to earrings.
While all types of metal require cleaning and polishing every so often, silver is unique in that it can tarnish over time. By tarnish, we mean that silver can develop a dull brown surface layer. The good news is that this is completely normal and can be resolved fairly easily.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tarnish and how to remove it effectively, so you can feel confident wearing your silver jewelry—and even consider adding new pieces to your collection.
What Type of Silver is Used for Jewelry?
Silver is one of the most popular metals used in jewelry, but there are different types in use. The most common is sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper–which makes it more durable for everyday wear. Sterling silver is usually stamped “925” and has that bright, shiny finish people love.
Fine silver, also known as pure silver, is 99.9% silver and has a beautiful white luster. However, it’s soft and prone to scratching, so it’s not commonly used in jewelry today.
Argentium silver, which still contains at least 92.5% pure silver, but replaces some copper with germanium, is a stronger, hypoallergenic, and tarnish-resistant metal. It tends to be more expensive.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
For the purpose of this article, when we say “silver”, we'll be referring to sterling silver. Since pure silver is too soft to be used in jewelry, the copper mixed in with the pure silver is what actually causes the silver to tarnish. The copper reacts with sulfur and moisture in the air, creating a surface reaction that results in tarnish.
If cleaned when initially noticed, tarnish can be removed fairly easily. If it's allowed to sit for some time, it can become harder to remove. Other factors can also accelerate silver tarnishing, including pollution, high humidity, and contact with chemicals found in common household cleaners and beauty products like shampoo and lotion. Chlorine can also quickly tarnish silver jewelry.
How Often Should You Clean Silver Jewelry?
How often you should clean your silver jewelry depends on how frequently you wear it and what it’s exposed to. If you live in a relatively dry climate and don’t wear it often, it won’t require cleaning as frequently. But if silver jewelry is worn daily in a humid environment it will tarnish faster and require cleaning more often. A good rule of thumb is to give your everyday jewelry a light cleaning every few weeks to prevent product buildup and keep tarnish from forming.
How Can I Clean My Silver Jewelry At Home?
You don't need special chemicals or tools to clean your silver jewelry at home. There are several methods for you to consider, depending upon the condition of your jewelry.
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The Soap and Water Method
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the jewelry. Rinse thoroughly under clean water and dry with a soft cloth. This method is safe for most silver jewelry, including delicate pieces with gemstones. It works well for routine maintenance.
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The Baking Soda Paste Method
Use this method if your silver jewelry has started to tarnish. Start by making a paste using three parts baking soda and one part water. Then, apply it with a soft cloth or sponge. Rub gently in small circles until the tarnish lifts. Rinse with clean water, and dry completely. Avoid this method if your jewelry contains softer gemstones like turquoise, pearls, or opals, which can be easily scratched.
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The Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Bath
If your silver jewelry has tarnished quite a bit already, try this method. Begin by lining a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Next, sprinkle in baking soda and salt. Add hot water and place your silver jewelry into the solution such that it makes contact with the foil. Within a few minutes, a chemical reaction will take place that transfers tarnish from the silver to the foil. Once you remove the jewelry, rinse and dry it thoroughly.
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Commercial Silver Cleaners
If you prefer not to use at-home products, many silver cleaners are available at major retailers or from your local jeweler. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure the cleaner is safe for your type of jewelry and to know how long it should be soaked. Polishing wipes are also available if you prefer not to use a liquid style cleaner.
Cleaning Silver Jewelry with Gemstones
If you own silver jewelry with gemstones, you need to take extra care when cleaning it. Gemstones that are higher on the Mohs scale of hardness–such as diamond, sapphire, or ruby–are less prone to damage. They can be cleaned with a mild soap and water mixture or with a silver polishing cloth.
Softer gemstones, such as pearls and opals, should not be submerged in water. They should be gently wiped with a damp cloth and then dried to avoid any excess water buildup.
If you’re ever unsure which method to use, it’s best to have a local jeweler clean any silver jewelry that contains soft gemstones.
Professional Cleaning for Silver Jewelry
Sometimes cleaning your jewelry at home just isn’t sufficient to get it completely clean. This is especially true for pieces that are very tarnished–such as pieces that haven’t been stored properly, or antique jewelry. In these cases, a qualified local jeweler should be able to assist you with cleaning and polishing using specialized tools such as steam cleaners, ultrasonic machines, and chemicals specifically for cleaning silver. They can also check for loose stones or other damage during the cleaning.
When to Embrace the Patina
Not everyone loves the look of bright shiny jewelry. Patina can actually be a good thing—especially on jewelry with engraving or finishes other than high polish—because it makes those details stand out more. The patina can make jewelry look older than it is, which adds character. If you like the patina on your silver jewelry, feel free to leave it as-is!
Final Thoughts
It may look concerning at first to see patina on your silver jewelry, but once you know what it is and why it happens, you’ll realize it’s not really a big deal. If you like the way it looks, there’s no need to change a thing. But if you prefer your jewelry to have a bright, shiny finish, there are plenty of ways to clean it—either at home or through your local jeweler.
Most of the at-home cleaning methods are safe for some gemstones, but be careful not to expose soft gemstones to moisture. If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution.
When it comes to tarnish, prevention is your best defense. Store your silver jewelry carefully, avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture and chemicals, and wipe it down thoroughly after each wear.