Are you hesitant about buying a piece of jewelry? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore. In this refined article, we will learn how to polish Sterling silver. Having a piece of jewelry that serves you for a long and still maintains its shiny effect is fulfilling. A piece of flawless jewelry adds a touch of confidence to your appearance. Sterling silver is one of the best jewelry that one can have. However, just like any other product, it also requires proper care for the sake of durability.
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How to polish sterling silver?
Sterling silver is among the best metals in the world for making jewelry and most people’s favorite. That’s because it has no allergy-causing components; therefore, less irritant. Also, sterling silver is versatile and doesn’t limit you in your activities. Another good thing about it is that it is strong and resistant to scratches. However, these qualities should not make you neglect that piece of jewelry. Here is how you can polish sterling silver for longevity purposes.
1.Use of soap
Soap is known for its many maintenance properties on various products. It is equally useful in maintaining silver jewelry. The use of soap to clean sterling silver quickly restores its splendor. However, it is essential to know that not all soaps are usable. The best soaps are the ones that don’t have any phosphate properties. The procedure involves mixing some dish soap with a glass of warm water. After mixing, use a piece of soft cotton cloth and dip it in the mixture. Start rubbing the piece of jewelry back and forth. Ensure you do the rubbing gently on all the parts. After that, rinse the sterling silver with warm water and dry.
2.Use of toothpaste
It is natural for one to wonder how toothpaste is used on a piece of jewelry. That’s because it is known for cleaning and whitening our teeth only. On the contrarily, toothpaste polishes sterling silver and gives back its glitter. This is done by squeezing some toothpaste on your finger and applying it on the sterling silver piece. Ensure you cover every part of the jewelry and then rinse it properly. In case your jewelry is significantly tarnished, you can repeat the process until it becomes shiny and spotlessly clean. However, it is good to know that toothpaste with microcrystals is not ideal for silver. The best toothpaste to use for this process is the one meant for sensitive teeth.
3.Reversal of the Chemical reaction
Some chemical reaction causes any tarnish that you see on any metal. Fortunately, it is possible to reverse that chemical reaction on your jewelry. The chemical reversal on your sterling silver is a fantastic way of polishing it. You require an aluminum foil, a bowl, baking soda, and some boiling water. With these items ready, you spread the aluminum foil on the bowls’ bottom surface then pour the boiling water. Add one tablespoon of baking powder to the water and dip your jewelry inside. Make sure that it is in contact with the aluminum foil and leave it for 20 minutes. The time depends on the magnitude of the tarnish. After that, remove your jewelry and leave it to dry.
4.Using a store-bought polish
The market has several types of polish that can be used on jewelry. The process of using a bought polish to sparkle your sterling silver is not complicated. Start by applying the bought cream or liquid polish on a soft piece of cloth. Remember to shake the bottle properly in case you are using a liquid polish. Rub the piece of fabric on your sterling silver. Allow it to be absorbed for two minutes, depending on the magnitude of the tarnish. Polish the silver using another section of the cloth, giving your attention to the scratched areas. Remember, this is your basic polish chance, so get rid of any tarnish. After the thorough rubbing, rinse it with cold or lukewarm water. You can use a sponge to get rid of all the spots of tarnish. Finally, use a microfiber piece of cloth to dry your piece of sterling silver jewelry.
5.Use Alka-Seltzer
Many people must have a stomach settler in their houses. This is because its common to have stomach upsets. However, very few know that this drug can be used to give their sterling silver piece of jewelry that new look. The use of an Alka-Seltzer to polish your sterling silver is easy and quick. It is done by dipping your silver into a glass of the bubbling liquid. Give it some time to soak and then remove it. Use a soft piece of cloth to wipe it gently, and you will notice that your sparkling jewelry is back to life.
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6.Use Ketchup
The use of ketchup is another excellent way of polishing your sterling silver. How does one use ketchup to clean a necklace? You must be wondering right? Well, the use of ketchup gives magical results on your jewelry. It is done by dipping your sterling silver in a bowl full of ketchup. Rub the silver with a brush and ensure you cover even the hidden parts. After that, give it a few minutes and then rinse with fresh water. Use a dry piece of cloth to get back that polished shiny look.
7.Window cleaner
Window cleaners give excellent results when used in silver. That’s because the chemicals found in them are good metal polishers. The window cleaners’ use involves spraying it on a piece of microfiber cloth and wiping your silver with it. The reaction brings your sterling silver back to life.
8.Use of citric acid
Lemon juice is known for many things within the house. It is a preservative and remedy for colds related illnesses. Also, lemon serves as a cleaner. On the other hand, it is used as a jewelry polisher. The use of lemon as a polisher is simple and requires lemon juice and a teaspoon of olive oil. You are required to mix the two in a bowl and dip a piece of cloth in the mixture. Use a back and forth method to rub your sterling silver when done, rinse it with some freshwater and dry using an abrasive material.
9.Engage professionals
Some pieces of sterling silver are quite expensive and require expertise to take care of them. That’s because the DIY own doesn’t help so much in polishing them. Others might have been resistant to the mentioned polishing methods. This will necessitate the engagement of a more experienced person. There are so many jewelry stores that offer your sterling silver a professional polish. They also have various polishing and cleaning products that will keep your jewelry for a long time.
10.Use of ammonia
The use of ammonia is a perfect way to polish your sterling silver and accord it that sparkling look. Mix half a cup of ammonia with one cup of water. Dip the silver into the mixture and give it a few minutes. There will be a reaction that will cause all the grime and tarnish to dissolve. Take your silver out of the mixture and rinse with warm water. After that, dry it off and use a rag to push and get the original look back.
11.Use of cleaning tools
This is ideal for those people with many pieces of sterling silver. That’s because it cuts down the polishing cost and time. The use of an ultrasonic tank doesn’t involve any scrubbing or chemicals. It requires only water and the bubbles produced. The bubbles caused by the microscopic process will take care of any tarnish.
12.Use of baking soda and vinegar
This method is also another great way of polishing your metal. It is done by making a solution of the two and dipping the metal in it. Leave it for two hours, then remove and rinse it. The use of baking soda and vinegar brings that shiny look.
The above are ways through which you can polish your sterling silver and enjoy it for long. However, one can also take proper care of it to avoid tarnishing. Here are few tips that could save you the polishing hustle
- Avoid wearing your sterling silver frequently.
- Proper storage is a significant factor that prevents tarnish. Therefore, ensure you keep the silver in an airtight plastic bag.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, salty water, and anything that has properties of Sulphur in it. Also, avoid direct sunlight because it activates tarnishing. Therefore, it is wise to remove your jewelry whenever you are swimming or performing household chores.
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Conclusion
Many people have neglected their jewelry because of a small tarnish. Tarnishing is a reaction between oxygen and sterling silver that makes it turn black and become less appealing. This leads them to buy more pieces of sterling silver instead of polishing the ones they have. Fortunately, taking care of your metal is not an uphill task, and one can do it home. Polishing your jewelry will boost your appearance and give you some confidence about your look. The shiny effect that comes with polishing your jewelry will provide you with a stunning look.