Sterling silver jewelry has a universal appeal and, with proper care, fine quality sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime. Sterling silver will tarnish with time and wear. Wearing your jewelry is among the best ways to prevent tarnish build up, as wearing and handling tends to slow the oxidation process. Silver tarnish naturally occurs when silver is exposed to air; so when you are not wearing your sterling silver jewelry, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Storage in zip lock plastic bags and individual cloth bags are perfect for slowing down the tarnishing and keeping your jewelry scratch free
Here are a few tips to maintain the original condition of your sterling silver jewelry.
1. Keep your sterling silver jewelry in an airtight container, zip lock bag or individual cloth bags.
2. Do not immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral water or suntan lotion. Take your jewelry off while bathing, doing dishes, or cleaning with an abrasive product or detergent.
3. Put your jewelry on last to prevent it from contact with chemicals, perfume, hairspray, deodorants and body lotions.
4. Never clean your sterling silver jewelry with toothpaste or an ammonia based dip.
5. Please remove your jewelry before yard work, swimming (chlorine, showering, dishwashing, handling bleaches, alcohols or cleansers.
6. Water and diluted dishwashing liquid soap can be used to clean your sterling silver jewelry. Gently wash, then rinse and polish with a soft cloth. Do not dry silver with paper towels or tissue.
7. Before each wearing polish your silver with a polishing cloth this will remove light tarnish and not scratch your jewelry. For heavier tarnish, use commercially available silver polishes (such as Wright's Silver Cream), follow directions carefully.
With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry can be enjoyed for a lifetime and even become a family heirloom.
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