Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner: How to Clean Your Sterling Silver

Are you wanting to clean up your sterling silvery jewelry? Check out how to get your hands on the best sterling silver jewelry cleaner options.

Keyword(s): sterling silver jewelry cleaner

Fast fashion has made for a speedy turnover in our apparel and even speedier in our jewelry collections. 

Poor quality trinkets and accessories feel more like disposable jewelry from fast-fashion retailers.

If you are ready to upgrade your jewelry collection and begin acquiring some timeless, high-quality pieces, you will need to know how to take care of them. Sterling silver is beautiful, versatile, and can last you a long time - if you know how to treat it. 

Getting your sterling silver jewelry cleaner and shinier than ever might be easier than you think. 

Keep reading to find out what you need to bring shine and sparkle back in your silver. 

Quick Tips for Sterling Silver Jewelry Care  

Sterling silver is a great nickel-free metal for jewelry because it is hypoallergenic. It is used for piercings and accessories because it is safe to use with its silver and copper combination.

Before we get into the details of cleaning your sterling silver jewelry, here are some rules for general maintenance. 

Silver becomes tarnished after it has been exposed to heat, air, or moisture. It may not be possible to completely avoid the elements to protect your favorite pieces but these tips can help you maintain their shine. 

• Store jewelry in a dark, place and use anti-tarnish bags 
• Ensure the temperature is cool and limit the humidity 
• Use a piece of chalk or bag of charcoal to help absorb moisture 
• Avoiding exposing jewelry to extra moisture by leaving it in the bathroom 
• Do not wear jewelry while swimming, bathing, or washing dishes 
• Put on your jewelry only after you've used lotions and perfumes  

You may be surprised to know that actually wearing your silver is one of the best ways to keep it from tarnishing. The friction created while you wear your silver keeps it shiny. 

So, if your partner is waiting for a special occasion to wear their sterling silver men's jewelry, encourage them to wear their pieces daily. 

How to Get Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner Than Ever 

If your silver has started to tarnish or lose its shine, there are many ways to clean it. You will also be happy to know that you likely carry all of these household silver cleaning items already. 

Clean Sterling Silver Using Toothpaste 

You may have heard of this one before. Toothpaste is a classic solution to silver cleaning. Yes, we know that toothpaste is meant to clean your teeth but it's also great for polishing your favorite silver pieces. 

Polish the Silver 

You can use regular or organic toothpaste to prepare. You want to use a soft cloth so that you don't scratch the silver while you polish it. Place a small amount of toothpaste onto the cloth and buff for a few minutes. 

Rinse and Dry 

Use warm water to rinse the silver, ensuring that all of the excess toothpaste has been washed away. Use a clean dry cloth to pat the silver dry. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Vinegar 

Vinegar is a great, organic alternative to household cleaners. It's non-toxic, easy to make at home, and safe for everyone in the family to use. 

Use a Liner 

Before you begin cleaning your sterling silver with vinegar, line a baking pan with aluminum foil. You want to make sure that the foil is placed with the shiny side up. 

Boil the Contents 

Mix one part vinegar with four parts water and pour the solution onto the baking pan. When the solution is boiling, place silver onto the pan and let sit for five minutes. 

Dry the Silver

Rinse the silver pieces with water and use a clean towel to dry off excess water. Ensure that you store your silver somewhere cool and dark, away from moisture. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the lesser-known silver cleaning solutions. It can be used to remove spots, smudges, or tarnishing. This is also a great way to disinfect sterling silver body jewelry.

The chemicals in rubbing alcohol can be damaging to certain metals and gemstones like emeralds and opals. Be cautious if your silver has accents or adornments that are made up of precious metals. 

Mix the Solution 

Using a clean bowl, pour in four parts water and one part rubbing alcohol. You can also use a plastic container for the solution.  

Buff the Silver 

Using a clean and damp towel, polish the silver gently. Ensure to focus on areas that have smudging and discoloration, as they will need more attention.

Wash and Dry

Use a microfiber towel to pat the silver dry. By now, your silver should be shiny and sparkly. It is ready for use or ready to be stored safely until you are ready to use it. 

Clean Sterling Silver With Dish Soap 

One of the easiest ways to clean your silver is simply using water and dish soap.

If you have some sterling silver women's jewelry that is delicate, this is a great cleaning option. It is also meant for pieces that have dulled but are not badly tarnished. 

Now we must reiterate - never try to clean your silver in the dishwasher. 

Hot Water and Suds

Mix dish soap with hot or warm water. Use a microfiber cloth to dip into the sudsy solution and rub the silver with the cloth.

Buff and Dry 

Rinse the silver with cold water and pat dry with a clean, dry towel. Here you can buff once more when the silver has dried. 

The Bottom Line on Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

Keeping your silver clean and shiny is easy with these handy tips. Simply using vinegar, toothpaste, dish soap, or rubbing alcohol, you can get your sterling silver jewelry cleaner and shinier. Best of all, with regular use, you can keep your silver clean and avoid tarnish. 

Shining, shimmering, splendid.  

For more beautiful sterling silver pieces, check out our website for exclusive collections. 

How to Clean Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Jewelry Pieces

Rhodium-plated sterling silver is lovely but requires special maintenance and care. Here's how to clean your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry.

Keyword(s): rhodium-plated sterling silver

Do you struggle with figuring out how to clean your rhodium-plated jewelry? Are you afraid you'll accidentally use the wrong product or ruin your brand new necklace's shiny finish?

Rhodium-plated sterling silver is becoming more and more popular for its durability, resistance to scratches, and beautiful white shine. 

But just like any high-quality jewelry, it needs to be properly taken care of so that it lasts as long as possible. 

Luckily, cleaning rhodium-plated jewelry requires only a few simple tools and techniques to keep your jewelry collection looking high-end for as long as possible. Keep reading for our guide on how to clean rhodium-plated sterling silver. 

What Is Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver?

If you're not quite sure of what rhodium is, you might ask, "Is rhodium-plated sterling silver good?" If you're looking for luxury at an affordable cost, then rhodium-plated jewelry is for you.

Rhodium is a precious metal that comes from the family of platinum. It's durable, reflective, and scratch-resistant, as well as hypoallergenic. It gives a beautiful white sheen to your jewelry and can make gemstones stand out more than plain silver can. 

If you're unsure about cleaning rhodium-plated vs sterling silver, then you'll be glad to know that rhodium is easier to clean. Although sterling silver is a common jewelry material, it's well known that it tarnishes upon exposure to air. Even worse, high humidity and moist products like hairspray or perfume speed up the tarnishing process. 

Rhodium, on the other hand, doesn't tarnish. It's scratch-resistant, keeps its shine, and doesn't corrode or dent. Best of all, it won't leave your hands green after handling it.  

When in doubt, always consult an expert if you're scared that you'll damage your jewelry while cleaning it.

Cleaning Products To Avoid

Before you actually go ahead and start cleaning your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry, let's bring up the cleaning products you should avoid using on this jewelry at all costs. 

• Harsh chemicals
• Anything abrasive
• Toothbrushes or toothpaste
• Polishing cloths for silver or gold

Harsh chemicals should never be used on your jewelry, whether it's sterling silver or rhodium-plated. Although rhodium is durable against scratches, you don't want to damage the plating by using the wrong materials on it.

Supplies You'll Need

Don't be alarmed at this list of supplies as most of them can already be found in your home. You may need to get a polishing cloth if you don't have one already, but otherwise, you should have everything in your kitchen cabinet. You'll need:

• Two bowls
• Mild detergent
• A soft towel or a microfiber cloth
• A soft polishing cloth (optional)

If you have multiple pieces of rhodium-plated jewelry to clean, consider waiting to clean them all at once to save time.

Additionally, if you decide to use a microfiber cloth, make sure it hasn't been treated with any chemicals. The goal is to avoid using anything harsh on your rhodium-plated jewelry, whether that's a chemical or an abrasive material.

Steps To Clean Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Jewelry

Now that you have your supplies and your jewelry ready, let's start cleaning. If you're unfamiliar with the steps, just take it slow so that you don't damage anything by accident. You'll get used to the cleaning process eventually and your jewelry will look all the better for it.

Prepare Your Bowls

First, fill one of the bowls with 1 cup of warm water.

Then, add 1/3 of a cup of mild detergent to the bowl with warm water. Mix to combine. This will be your washing bowl. 

You'll use one of the bowls to wash your jewelry and the other bowl to rinse it, so remember which is which. Fill the other bowl with room temperature water. Don't add anything else to this bowl, as it will be your rinsing bowl.

Wash

Put your rhodium-plated silver jewelry in the washing bowl. It's important to let it soak for ten minutes to remove any dirt that may have gotten stuck on the surface.

Then, gently rub the jewelry with your fingers to clean it. As mentioned above, do not use toothbrushes or any abrasive materials. Rhodium doesn't tarnish, so your fingers will be able to do the job.

Make sure that you don't leave your jewelry in the detergent mixture for longer than 15 minutes. This includes cleaning time, so consider using a timer.

Rinse

Now, transfer your washed jewelry to the rinsing bowl. Rinse your jewelry in the water. You can replace the water in the bowl as many times as you want, but just make sure to keep using room temperature water.

The important thing in this step is to remove all the soap residue, and a good indicator is whether your rinsing water looks soapy or clear. Always be gentle even when rinsing so you don't damage the plating on your jewelry.

Dry

Place your jewelry on a soft towel or a microfiber cloth. The softer the towel the better, so if you have something made of Egyptian cotton, then use that. 

Gently pat the jewelry dry. Remember that friction is what causes the plating to come off, so the gentler you are, the longer the rhodium plating will last.

Let the jewelry dry overnight if needed. It's better to let it air dry than to rub it too much and wear off the plating. If you need to wear the jewelry to a special occasion, consider washing it a few days beforehand so that you're not hurriedly rubbing the jewelry dry.

Store

Before storing your jewelry, you can optionally polish it. If you're using a polishing cloth, make sure to use one that's gentle. Often, this would be a cloth that's used for diamonds or other luxurious gems.

Carefully store your jewelry in a jewelry box. To prevent more friction or rubbing, consider wrapping the jewelry in a layer of tissue paper. You could also store it in a separate compartment of your jewelry box or in a soft velvet jewelry bag.

Treat Yourself To Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Today

As you can see, rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry is durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain, as long as you take the right steps to care for it. When cleaning your rhodium-plated jewelry, always remember to avoid harsh chemicals, don't rub your jewelry too much, and always be gentle. These steps will keep your jewelry looking shiny and brand new for as long as possible. 

Are you ready to add some luxurious rhodium jewelry to your collection? From earrings to necklaces, take a look at our beautiful selection of rhodium-plated sterling silver today. 

Sterling silver jewelry has certain features that sets it apart from other jewelry. Here are the top 4 distinct qualities of sterling jewelry.

Keyword(s): sterling silver jewelry

Are you looking to upgrade your favorite jewelry? Or are you wondering what qualities to search for in new jewelry?

Sterling silver jewelry is a staple of many different looks. Whether you're going out on the town or grabbing drinks with friends. Sterling silver can transform your entire look. 

If you want to get the best bang for your buck, you'll need to know exactly what qualities of sterling silver to look for. Follow these tips to find sterling silver jewelry and style your best looks yet. 

What Is Sterling Silver?

Before you begin looking for sterling silver jewelry, you must know what is it. 

Silver is similar in composition to gold and copper. Because it's a soft metal, it is more malleable, or flexible. This also means that sterling silver has a high polish to it, giving it its characteristic shine. 

Silver is one of the oldest metals discovered by humans. In prehistoric times, silver was more difficult to mine than gold, making it more expensive. Since that time, however, silver is more easily mass-refined, making it a cheaper alternative to gold. 

In terms of purity, fine silver is 99.9% silver, making it the highest quality available. Sterling silver, however, has 7.5% copper added for a total of 92.5% of silver. 

The alloy, a metal blend, makes the silver easier to work with without it falling apart. This is how there are several different designs and patterns in sterling silver. 

Below, the 7 things you need to know about sterling silver before you buy. 

1. Damage to Sterling Silver

Since sterling silver jewelry has a small amount of copper in it, it tarnishes more quickly than fine silver. When sterling silver tarnishes, it will begin to turn black or brown. This happens even more quickly in humid or tropical conditions. 

To get rid of tarnish, use a jewelry cleaner specifically for sterling silver. Once you've washed away the tarnish, your silver will lay underneath, unblemished. The tarnish lays on top of the silver, so your jewelry will be back to beautiful in no time!

To prevent rusting and damage to your sterling silver jewelry, take it off when showering or swimming. Keep your jewelry as dry as possible for long-lasting results. 

To prevent corrosion to your jewelry, keep your fingers off of it. Oils and grease from hands, cooking, or other tasks can wear away at your jewelry. 

You may also want to store your sterling silver away from other types of jewelry to prevent rubbing. When your pieces rub together, they can tarnish the softer silver. 

2. Sterling Silver Is Hypoallergenic

One huge plus to sterling silver is that it is hypoallergenic! This means that you can wear your favorite pieces every day and the chances of having an allergic reaction are very low. 

This is due to the fact that many people react to the nickel in jewelry. Sterling silver, though, only being comprised of silver and copper, contains a much lower chance of containing nickel. 

3. Sterling Silver Versatility

Though sterling silver is a soft metal, the addition of copper strengthens the mixture. This means that sterling silver is extremely versatile. 

Jewelers make sterling silver jewelry in all types of forms and designs. From necklaces to bracelets, to earrings, sterling silver is a great choice. You can also find each of these with elaborate designs and variations. 

Since sterling silver has a high shine, it pairs well alone as accents to your outfits. You can pair similar styles of different pieces together and they coordinate perfectly. 

Or, if you want to mix things up, find sterling silver paired with your favorite gems. Embedded diamonds and gemstones will instantly spice up your outfit without going over the top. Or, choose pearls for a classic and elegant look. 

Another benefit of silver is that because it's easily molded, your jewelry can be resized in minutes. At many jewelers, you can drop your rings off and have them resized within an hour. 

4. Sterling Silver Finishes

Sterling silver has an iconic shine. This characteristic is intrinsic and is procured by the metal. 

But, if you want your jewelry to be tarnish-resistant, coat your pieces in rhodium. This platinum metal ensures that your silver won't tarnish or corrode while keeping its signature shine. 

How to Tell if It's Sterling Silver Jewelry

If you're hesitant of buying sterling silver, be sure to ask the jeweler to walk you through the elements of the jewelry before purchasing. Keep the 4 qualities listed above in mind when at the store. 

Then, be sure to try the pieces on before buying them. Though you won't be able to wear them for an extended time, you will have an idea of it the silver irritates your skin. If so, the silver is likely not sterling. 

Ask the jeweler about the metals in the alloy as well. This will help you determine the amount of silver in the piece. Sterling silver always contains 92.5% silver. 

If you are hesitant or want to know more about the piece, ask for the hallmark. Most sterling silver pieces have a hallmark that tells everything about the silver. Or, be sure to look out for markings on the silver as well to steer clear of any fakes. 

Ready to Buy? 

Are you ready to buy sterling silver jewelry to add to your everyday looks? From day to night, sterling silver makes any look complete and together.

Want to buy quality sterling silver and enjoy free shipping in the United States on orders over $50? Check out our wide variety of sterling silver rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more! 

Wondering how to clean jewelry? Well, look no further; there are several effective DIY methods to make your jewelry look as good as new. Read more to find out.

Keyword(s): how to clean jewelry

The jewelry you wear is an important part of your personality and style, so if it looks dull, it can take away from your fashionable aesthetic.

Whatever you love to wear, it's crucial to know how to clean jewelry so you can keep it looking its absolute best.

From necklaces to bracelets and rings, read on to discover some tips about jewelry cleaning so that all your pieces continue to shine.

Make Your Silver Shine 

Silver is a stunning metal that looks amazing with virtually any outfit. To keep it clean, start with some standard jewelry cleaning products, like high-quality liquid silver polish.

Never apply the silver polish solution using an abrasive material. Instead, gently wipe it clean in circular motions with a soft microfiber cloth or a cotton pad.

If you want a quicker way to do some silver jewelry cleaning, try silver polish wipes. These convenient wipes are designed just for silver and typically feature two sides. One side cleans the silver jewelry and removes unsightly tarnish, while the other side buffs it to a bright shine.

You can also just gently buff any dull spots with a microfiber cloth alone. Start on the underside of your jewelry just to make sure that it works well before you finish cleaning the surface that people will see. For example, polish the back of a beautiful pendant, then finish with the front once you confirm it looks good. 

Most silver polish and jewelry cleaning products are affordable, but you can also try some DIY jewelry cleaning methods, too. Let's take a closer look at some ways you can clean your jewelry with a few things you already have lying around the home.

How to Clean Jewelry DIY

Before you try any of these DIY cleaning methods, it's important to note that none of them will keep the tarnish from returning. Store bough silver polishes have a special solution that cleans the jewelry and leaves a protective finish behind.

However, if you need to know how to clean jewelry in a pinch. these DIY solutions can be extremely helpful. If you have silver-plated jewelry, just be aware that rubbing it too vigorously or too often can start to wear the finish off.

The first method to clean your jewelry is to mix a few drops of regular liquid dish soap (like Dawn Ultra) into a small bowl of warm water. Dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture, then gently rub it onto your jewelry until the tarnish is removed. When you're done, rinse your jewelry with some cool water and buff it dry with a new cloth.

Baking soda does a great job of removing heavier tarnish and discoloration. Mix three parts baking soda to one part water until it forms a paste-like consistency.

Wet your silver jewelry and apply the paste with a soft cloth. Gently work the cloth into the crevices of your jewelry and turn it as the cloth starts to pick up the tarnish. Rinse the jewelry well, then buff it dry.

If you don't have dish soap or baking soda handy, you can also try the toothpaste method. Make sure you use a white-colored style of toothpaste and not a gel. 

Apply a small dab of toothpaste to your silver jewelry, then gently rub it with your finger or a soft, lint-free cloth. Rinse it well with slightly warm water, then buff it dry with the cloth until it's bright and shiny. 

Tips for Cleaning Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

From Roman glass to Baltic amber, it's important to be especially careful when cleaning jewelry made with precious stones. You can return your jewelry to its beautiful, original shine with some easy jewelry cleaning methods.

Start by mixing a few drops of dish soap into some seltzer water. The carbonation in the water can help to gently loosen solid and debris that can get trapped in between settings and on facets.

Once you make your mixture, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your stones clean. Dip the jewelry in some clear water to rinse it clean. You can also place your jewelry in a strainer and rinse it under running water - just make sure you use a sink stopper to prevent it from accidentally falling down the drain!

After you've finished gently polishing your precious or semi-precious stones, buff them dry with a clean microfiber cloth. If you're ever in a pinch and need to do some touch-ups, try a jewelry cleaning stick. These portable jewelry cleaning products can fit easily into your purse and make it easy to polish small areas fast.

Whatever jewelry cleaning method you choose, the key is to make sure that you always rinse cleaning solutions thoroughly after you're done. Softly polishing or buffing the jewelry and letting it dry are also important steps to ensure that it's perfectly clean and ready to be worn again.

Getting Sparkly and Shiny Jewelry is Easy

Once you know how to clean jewelry and make it brilliant again, you can wear all of your favorite pieces in confidence. No matter what type of jewelry you love to wear, regular cleaning sessions will keep it looking shiny and give it a brilliant finish.

Always use soft, lint-free cloths and gentle motions to avoid scratching your stunning jewelry so it's protected from damage. Clean it regularly to reap the benefits of a bright, beautiful piece of jewelry you'll love to show off.

If you're ready to check out some incredible new jewelry to elevate your look, be sure to browse our new arrivals today!