The most popular form of silver used by jewelers is sterling silver, which is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Silver is a weak metal, so jewellery makers ensure strength of silver by adding other metals to make it long lasting and resistant. However, there are fake replicas of silver jewels out there, so you better be aware they exist. Fake silver necklaces or rings easily wear out and get tarnished. Sterling silver items resist deterioration due to elements (sunlight, humidity, dust, and chemicals). But even if you buy the best genuine items, they will fray due to improper wearing and keeping. They may also become damaged when exposed to tough chemicals. Bathing in pool with chlorine can be harmful to your silver jewels because this chemical can cause corrosion. In addition to chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, and acetone are other common household substances that can damage silver. Of course, strong chemicals (acids and alkalis) should not come any closer to your silver items.

You can bring your dirty or tarnished jewels to a jeweler for cleaning. But you can usually do the cleaning without much professional help. All you need are soft brush, water perhaps, and some cleaning agent. You can use an old toothbrush provided it is clean and has soft bristles. A brush comes handy when cleaning necklaces with interlocking small chains. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning or wiping bracelets and silver jewels without intricate patterns and designs. Regarding cleaning solutions, some people have tried cleaning tarnished silver using baking powder and have seen fairly good results. Never use abrasive cloths and scouring cleaners because they rub hard on the silver surface and damage the delicate metal. Scratch marks can easily appear on silver surfaces if you are not careful.

Most of the time cleaning your silver necklaces, pendants, or rings involves removing of the oxidation and dirt accumulation on surfaces, ridges, and joints. Oils from your skin can also come in contact with the silver accessories. Nothing is more convenient than going to your jeweler or visiting a jewellery shop to ask for a silver cleaner. This is usually a gentle cleaning solution that effectively cleanses your priced rings, earrings, necklaces, or anklets made of sterling silver. A commercial silver cleaning solution is often quite effective in cleaning hard to clean grooves.

If you cannot find a silver cleaning product anywhere or you are already out of time or budget, you can prepare a home-made silver cleaning formula. You would need an aluminum foil, a small basin perhaps, some hot water, and baking soda. Blemishes on silver items due to oxidation may be removed by the combination of aluminum and sodium bicarbonate in baking soda.

Sometimes people do more harm than good when attempting to clean their jewellery items, which after all are delicate items. To make sure they stay looking good without having to clean them, appropriate storage is necessary. Keep them in their cases when not in use. Avoid wearing silver rings, bracelets, or necklaces if you are doing activities that will make you perspire because sweat can tarnish your silver accessories in the long run.

Jo is a content writer for ‘Silver Jewellery Online’ ( http://www.silver-jewellery-online.co.uk ), a business which sells only the finest fashion and sterling silver jewellery to match everyone’s style and budget. In case you’re searching for high quality yet reasonably priced silver jewellery or want to copy the newest fashion and trend then check out Silver Jewellery Online and indulge in their unique and luxurious collections.

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Gold jewels were very popular back then, that was when we weren’t experiencing economic crisis and life was a bit easy to live. However nowadays, everybody has to be more practical. We should find the best solution in keeping ourselves in fashion but in a more cost-efficient way. Many claim that wearing silver jewellery makes them look younger and full of energy, on the other hand wearing gold when worn may seem to be more of a grown up’s style of jewellery and a little bit more classy. Knowing how silver seems to be more of a trend these days wouldn’t it be great to have your own pair of silver earrings added into to your jewellery collection? Aside from silver necklaces, bracelets and rings; having a pair of earrings made of sterling silver will surely add up to that youthful look. Aside from making you look younger, it is definitely more affordable than gold jewellery, but can still be a stylish choice.

You can wear silver and have it match to whatever outfit you are wearing. Silver is more practical to wear with dark colored clothes and this is for the reason that it gives more highlight to the dark clothes that you are wearing, and it does give a more elegant and stylish impression on you. Isn’t it that these silver jewels are mostly seen on artists such as rock stars, actors, singers and almost everybody in the entertainment industry? If that is the case, then probably to be in with the crowd nowadays is to wear silver. It is not that hard to find the best silver earrings and other silver jewellery nowadays. All you have to do is try searching for online jewellery shops which carry the best designs and genuine sterling silver jewels, and you will surely be able to add this stylish jewellery to your collection.

At stlishbydesign.com there is a vast selection of beautiful silver jewellery including Silver earrings that are a perfect girt for any woman.

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Preventing and Limiting Tarnishing and Staining is the Best Approach
1. Store your jewellery in a clean, dry place.
2. Keep your jewellery in a fabric-lined jewellery case, or even better in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in special plastic pockets or soft tissue paper.
3. Don’t put together your jewellery pieces in a drawer or jewellery case. Pieces are prone to scratching.
4. Hang your jewellery up – there are a variety of organisers that have a hanger like hook with numerous clear pouches. Those styles are a great way to keep your earrings separate and visible. And again, put one piece in each pouch to avoid scratches.
5. Be careful when removing your jewellery to wash your hands. Don’t leave it on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
6. See your jeweller at least once a year to have your jewellery checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear.
7. Use tarnish-resistant cloth and cases to store silver.
8. Safety matters: consider purchasing a jewellery box with a lock and a key.
9. Never leave silver jewellery lying against bare wood. Wood, especially oak, contains an acid that will mar the surface of the silver. Paper and cardboard, since they are wood pulp products, have the same effect, so avoid paper envelopes or small cardboard boxes also.
After storage comes… cleaning and sanitising
10. There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewellery in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in many different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your silver jewellery at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewellery and gems, and prolonged use may loosen stones from their mountings.
11. The best cleaning tip is to use a mild soap and water solution. Pat dry with a soft cloth. If dirt is more stubborn a silver cleaner is appropriate. But don’t rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or fine piece of felt. Tissue paper or paper towels may cause scratches.
12. Silver jewellery should always be cleaned with a soft cotton or flannel cloth. Synthetic materials can cause scratching. You can also buy a special silver cleaning cloth, which has anti-tarnish ingredients, and keep it inside your jewellery box for quick cleaning.
13. You can also use a child’s toothbrush to get into patterns.
14. For quick cleaning of silver, such as removing makeup or light dirt, use a small amount of liquid detergent or soap to about half a cup of warm water. Using your cloth, wipe the solution gently into the jewellery, rinse under clean warm water, and dry afterwards.
15. To remove tarnish or heavier dirt, you will need to use special silver cleaner. Silver cleaners can come in the form of a paste or liquid, also known as silver dip.
16. To use a paste, the best method is to scoop a small amount on your cloth or brush and gently work in a straight-line motion, because all cleansers include some form of abrasive and a circular motion may cause severe scratching. Allow the paste to dry then use another clean cloth to wipe the excess away. You can also rinse the piece under warm water and dry thoroughly.
17. If your piece includes gemstones of any kind, cleaning is more difficult. Both forms of cleansers can dull the polished finish off the gemstone. Silver dips are almost out of the question for stones that are porous in nature, such as Lapis or Turquoise, as they’ll break down from the absorption of the chemicals. The best solution in this case is a paste, using caution not to touch the stones. Work in small areas until the piece is tarnish free. Make sure to rinse with warm water and dry immediately.
18. Like other jewellery, avoid wearing silver in chlorinated water, as this will discolour it.
19. If you have a dirty ring or jewellery including gold, soak overnight in the soft drink 7up or Coca Cola – but 7up is the best. It will come out sparkling. Leave longer and change liquid if very dirty. You will be amazed at the result, and it’s said to be safe although I haven’t checked it myself. Again, if you are willing to take the risk don’t clean gemstone jewellery in this way, as it is much more delicate.
20. To clean Rhodium plated silver jewellery simply wipe with a soft damp cloth. Do not use a silver polishing cloth. Do not use a jewellery dip.
21. There’ve been some reports on the vinegar method. Apparently soaking jewellery in vinegar leaves it sparkling! (Not tested by me, or anyone I know, though, so be careful!)
Talking about shining…
22. Place a clean cotton pad on your polishing hand. Dampen the sock slightly under cool running water. Squeeze a pearl-size drop of toothpaste on your fingertip and apply the toothpaste to the silver. Rinse the silver well and polish it dry with the clean side of the pad.

And that’s it! With proper care and storage, your silver jewellery will bring you many years of wear and enjoyment.

Maria Kose is a silver jewellery lover, and founder of Beauty & Jewels, an online jewellery boutique that offers a wide range of beautiful unique silver jewellery such as vintage jewellery [http://www.beautyandjewels.co.uk],marcasite jewellery and silver cubic zirconia. You can find our more on [http://www.beautyandjewels.co.uk]

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