Many people avoid silver jewelry because they think it tarnishes and is difficult to maintain.
It is true that if silver jewelry is left unused, it will gradually lose its shine and change color.
It is often thought that silver tarnish is caused by oxidation, but this is not rust but a phenomenon called sulfidation.
Silver reacts chemically with sulfurous acid gas and hydrogen sulfide in the air, forming a film of silver sulfide on its surface. This film is initially light brown in color, but gradually thickens and turns black.
So how can we prevent silver from sulfiding?
Below, we will introduce ways to maintain the shine of your silver jewelry and enjoy it for a long time by just taking a little care on a daily basis.
5 Ways to Prevent Silver Jewelry from Tarnishing
- Wipe off sweat and dirt after use.
- Store in a container with a lid
- Wash occasionally
- Remove when playing sports or bathing
- If you are not going to use it for a long time, store it wrapped in a cloth.
1. Wipe off sweat and dirt after use.
After removing your silver jewelry, gently wipe it with a soft cloth or eyeglass cleaner to remove any sweat or dirt.
When you purchase AROM. jewelry from our online store, we will include an original jewelry cloth.
This cloth can also be used for everyday maintenance, so please feel free to use it.
When you start to notice dirt on the cloth, you can simply wash it with laundry detergent and reuse it.
2. Store in a container with a lid
Do you leave your jewelry hanging on a necklace rack or on a tray after you take it off?
Unless you are using it daily, store it in a container with a lid to minimize contact with air.
Placing a cloth or tissue underneath the jewelry will help prevent scratches and will absorb any moisture remaining in the jewelry.
Commercially available zippered plastic bags are also effective in preventing sulfidation as they block air, but please be aware that if moisture remains, it will not be able to evaporate and may lead to mold.
3. Wash it occasionally
Components contained in sweat and sebum, as well as components in cosmetics, can cause discoloration.
Chains such as necklaces and bracelets in particular tend to accumulate dirt between the chains, so washing them occasionally with lukewarm water will help to clean them.
Please refrain from using detergents at this time.
If you have an ultrasonic cleaner for glasses, you can use it to remove dirt more easily.
Items with pearls or stones should only be washed with lukewarm water or water.
After cleaning, wipe thoroughly with a soft towel or paper towel to remove any moisture.
4. Remove them when playing sports or bathing
Please remove your jewelry when playing sports, as the components in sweat can cause discoloration.
In addition, strenuous exercise may cause the jewelry to break or come into contact with your body, causing injury.
Ingredients in bath salts, shampoo, and body wash can also cause discoloration.
If you take a bath while wearing your jewelry, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with tap water to remove any traces of these substances.
Please be aware that hot springs often contain sulfur, and if you bathe while wearing the mask, it will quickly sulfurize.
5. If you are not going to use it for a long time, store it wrapped in a cloth.
If you are not going to wear jewelry for a long period of time, wipe off any oils or sweat, and allow it to dry naturally if it is wet.
Then, wrap each piece of jewelry individually in soft cloth, felt or tissue paper and store it in a tightly airtight container.
At this time, it is recommended to put a desiccant such as silica gel or charcoal in the bag to absorb moisture.
By taking just a few simple precautions every day, you can prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing and keep it shining for a long time.
If you are still concerned about discoloration, please refer to this video.
Here are some ways to clean it using items you have at home.
"I want to thoroughly clean it!"
We also provide jewelry cleaning services.
Please feel free to contact us using this form .