A question I am asked often, is "what is the best way to clean silver jewellery?"
There are actually a couple of really easy methods which use ingredients you probably have in the kitchen or laundry. I enlisted my friend Lindsay, to help me make this easy-to-follow video. (If you’re watching on your phone double-tap the screen to make us bigger!
Everyday care
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Put jewellery on last, and take it off first.
This simple habit protects delicate chains and clasps and minimises contact with perfume, lotions, sunscreen, and hair products — all of which can dull the surface of metals and gemstones. -
Avoid swimming in pools and spas.
Chlorine and other chemicals can oxidise metals faster than you can say, “Why has my necklace turned black?!” -
Store jewellery separately.
Use soft pouches, tarnish-resistant boxes, or jewellery trays to prevent scratching and tangling. -
Avoid humidity.
A cool, dry place helps preserve the natural shine of your metals and gemstones.
Cleaning - Method 1 - for silver jewellery, no gem or stones:
- Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
- Sprinkle Washing Soda into the bowl.
- Place jewellery on top of the soda. (Do not add jewellery with gems or stones, use Method 2.)
- Pour boiling water over the soda and jewellery.
- Leave for 5 minutes. The tarnish should transfer from the jewellery to the foil.
- Wash jewellery with soapy water and rinse.
- Polish with polishing buffer (available from high street jewellers).
- Rub with clean cloth.
Method 2 - for silver jewellery with stubborn tarnish, and gems or stones:
- Use a plastic or ceramic surface.
- Sprinkle Bicarbonate of soda onto the plastic or ceramic.
- Add 2 drops of lemon essential oil.
- Add a small bit of water to make a paste.
- Use an old toothbrush to rub the paste onto the metal. Avoid putting paste directly onto any stones or gems.
- Leave paste on for 5 minutes.
- Wash jewellery with soapy water and rinse.
- Polish with polishing buffer (available from high street jewellers).
- Rub with clean cloth.
Wear your sparkling jewellery with pride!
