All-Purpose Jewelry Care Kit
Cleaning & Care FAQ
Here are our recommendations:
Sterling silver: Silver Jewelry Care Kit or Silver Anti-Tarnish Polishing Cloth.
- Use the kit for deep cleaning and the cloth for everyday anti-tarnish maintenance.
Plated Sterling Silver: All-Purpose Jewelry Care Kit.
- Gently clean to protect the plating; avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners.
Sparkle (crystals in a clay base): Buffing Cloth
- Avoid cleaning sprays, water, or solutions to preserve the clay base and crystals.
Natural Gemstones: All-Purpose Jewelry Care Kit.
- Gently clean to protect the plating; avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners.
14K Solid Gold: All-Purpose Jewelry Care Kit.
- Regularly clean to maintain shine; store properly to avoid scratches.
Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when certain metals, such as sterling silver, are exposed to elements in their environment. This reaction forms a thin layer of corrosion on the surface of the metal, causing it to lose its shine and appear dull or discolored.
- Oxygen and Moisture: Exposure to air and humidity can cause silver to oxidize.
- Sulfur Compounds: Contact with sulfur-containing substances (like pollution or certain foods) speeds up tarnishing.
- Personal Factors: A person’s natural skin oils, pH levels, and sweat can interact with metals and cause tarnish.
- Chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and cleaning products can react with the metal, accelerating tarnishing.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can contribute to tarnish.
- Proper Storage: Store jewelry in an airtight container to limit exposure to oxygen and moisture.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep jewelry away from perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean and polish jewelry regularly to remove any developing tarnish and restore shine.
- Wear Regularly: The natural oils on your skin can help slow down tarnishing on sterling silver by keeping it cleaner.
Tarnish is a surface-level reaction and does not harm the structural integrity of metals like sterling silver. It is easily removable with proper cleaning and care.