Preventing and Removing Tarnish: How to Clean a Chain Necklace

Be honest: when was the last time you cleaned your jewelry? It's easy to forget to scrub our favorite pieces, but research suggests this may come back to bite us. One study even found that a ring, watch, and earring worn for seven days picked up 428 times more germs than a toilet seat!

Constant exposure to lotions, moisture, sweat, and other factors can be harsh on the metal finish of your favorite necklace.

That's why knowing how to clean a chain necklace is so crucial. Not only can this keep germs at bay, but it can also help maintain the beauty of your pieces. Even better, it may extend the lifespan of your treasured jewelry.

If you're a little behind on your regular cleanings and you don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Here's what you should know about basic chain jewelry care.

How to Clean a Chain Necklace by Metal Type

Different metals often need different care. It's always a smart idea to grab a specialized cleaning solution for whatever type of metal jewelry you own.

However, if you don't have the right jewelry cleaner, there are still plenty of solutions to try on your own at home. Depending on the type of metal in your chain, you should clean it using the following tactics:

Gold Chains

Gold necklaces are easy to clean with detergent and water. Grab a mild, non-abrasive detergent or dish soap and add it to some warm water. Soak your chain in the solution for a few minutes, then pull it out for cleaning.

You should use a jewelry cleaning cloth for this, but you can also grab a microfiber cloth instead. Rub the chain with gentle strokes, then rinse the soap away with clean water and pat the necklace dry.

Silver and Sterling Silver Chains

Silver and sterling silver sometimes need a bit of extra attention to prevent tarnishing. You can use the water and detergent method above a start, but silver is also durable enough for further cleaning tactics.

You can create a baking soda solution by adding a bit of warm water until the baking soda forms a paste. Grab an extra soft toothbrush for cleaning, then rinse the necklace and pat it dry.

Gold- or Silver-Plated Chains

Plated jewelry needs a delicate touch. Keep in mind that the plating on this jewelry is often thin, so abrasive solutions and harsh scrubbing can wear it away.

Instead, try soaking this jewelry in a detergent and water or vinegar and water solution without scrubbing. Use your jewelry cleaning cloth to wipe it down and remove any grime.

This strategy is also great for "fake" jewelry chains, or chains designed to look as if they're made of metal or gold. The finish on these pieces often requires gentle cleansing to keep it from wearing away.

Copper and Brass Chains

Both of these metals can take a bit more abrasion than the ones above if needed. 

Start with a gentle detergent and water solution. If that doesn't work, mix a paste using salt and vinegar for extra cleaning power.

Additional Cleaning Tactics

If you're struggling to clean your jewelry, there are a few additional strategies that may help you deal with specific problems.

Hair Removal

If you have long hair, you might struggle to get tangles of hair out of your chain necklace. This can be especially tricky if the chain is small or dainty, as it can be hard to pull the hair out without breaking or damaging the chain.

One easy way to avoid this is by using hair removal cream. Dabbing a bit of this cream onto the knot of hair in your chain for a few minutes can cause the hair to break down, making it easier to work out with your fingers or a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse the necklace afterward to remove any remaining cream.

Cuticle scissors are also a great way to get rid of knots caught in your chain. You'll need to have patience to cut the hair away with these small scissors, but it's a safe way to get the hair out without harming the necklace.

Removing Tarnishing

Silver jewelry is prone to darkening over time. Fortunately, you can revive tarnishing with the right cleaning solutions.

Soaking your jewelry in vinegar and water can sometimes help. If not, line a pan or bowl with aluminum foil, and combine equal parts salt and baking soda within it.

Place your silver chain into this solution. Next, heat a cup of water and pour it in, letting the solution bubble. The chemical reaction can help remove dirt and tarnish.

You can also consider using a specialized, ammonia-free cleaning solution like SilverMate to revive silver that has been sitting around for a while.

Chain Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

There's plenty of advice online about cleaning your jewelry, but not all of it is trustworthy! Even if you're dealing with deep-set grime and tarnishing, you'll want to avoid a few harmful cleaning tactics:

Not Knowing the Metal

As we've already mentioned, different metals need different cleaning solutions. Gold, for example, isn't durable enough to withstand some of the abrasive cleaning tactics you can try on sterling silver.

Treating all of your chain necklaces the same is a recipe for disaster and heartbreak! If you aren't careful, you may scrub away your chain's finishing or damage it beyond repair.

Using a Toothbrush

Certain types of jewelry, like sterling silver, can take a very gentle scrubbing. However, many online articles will recommend a toothbrush for any type of chain.

Don't fall for this advice. Toothbrushes are far too abrasive for cleaning most chains, especially small or delicate ones.

Boiling Your Chain

All metals can take a bit of heat, but not for extended periods. Boiling your jewelry might seem like a good idea in theory, but you won't want to expose them to hot water for long. Even worse, letting your jewelry stay in contact with the hot metal bottom of a pot can cause warping and damage.

Soaking It in Bleach

Bleach may be great for household cleaning, but it's far too harsh for your jewelry. Advocates for bleaching jewelry claim that it helps break down tarnishing or grime, which is true. However, bleach may also break down the surface of your favorite jewelry chain!

How Often to Clean Your Chain Necklace

Regular cleaning can keep your chain necklace in great condition. It can also help you avoid tarnishing and a buildup of dirt or grime. However, how do you know how often to clean your favorite pieces?

The answer depends on how often you wear them.

If you wear your chain necklace each day, a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning is a good idea. This can help you rinse away any buildup of grime or your skin's natural oils.

You should also do a bi-annual cleaning of all of your chain necklaces, including pieces you only wear every once in a while. These pieces tend to be cleaner than your daily jewelry and don't need frequent scrubbing.

How to Keep Your Chain Necklace Clean

Once you've cleaned your jewelry and you're enjoying your new, shining necklace, you might wonder how to keep the item clean. What steps can you take to avoid a buildup of grime or discoloration?

Reconsider Your Daily Habits

Showering in your jewelry may not seem like a big deal, but it means your chain necklace gets repeated exposure to moisture, soaps, shampoos, and abrasive washcloths or sponges. This can be harsh on the metal finish, so try to take off your necklace before you shower each day.

If you often apply lotion, oil, or sunscreen on your neck, be careful around your chain necklace. Buildups of these substances can wear down the metal over time. When possible, apply these substances first and give them a chance to absorb into your skin before you put your chain necklace on.

Store Your Chain Necklace Properly

Your choice for jewelry storage matters. Don't just throw your favorite statement necklaces onto the nearest shelf!

Instead, look for a place out of direct sunlight, and make sure the area is at room temperature. Low humidity is also ideal to help avoid tarnishing.

Consider getting a jewelry box with felt dividers and drawers. These storage options not only help you organize your chains, but they can also protect them from light, dust, and debris.

Invest in Your Jewelry Care

If your favorite jewelry pieces hold a special place in your heart, knowing how to clean a chain necklace is crucial. Regular but gentle cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your necklaces while maintaining their beautiful finishes. Make sure to commit to a regular cleaning schedule to see the best results!

At wehoautodetail, we love offering our clients pieces they'll love for years to come. Whether you're looking for a high-quality necklace with an adjustable chain or a stunning choker with delicate gold links, we offer it all. Be sure to check out our jewelry collections or contact us today with questions.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Swarovski Jewelry

Are Swarovski jewelry pieces worth it? What are Swarovski crystals, anyway? Let's answer these questions and more in this complete guide.

Keyword(s): swarovski jewelry

It is a great leap from the luxurious stores seen in airports and Dubai shopping malls to the industrial landscape of a factory floor. Yet one brand has managed to craft a reputation for excellence in both fields. So did you know that the Swarovski empire actually makes factory machinery as well?

More well known for sparkle and shine, their excellent imitation diamond for practical uses also makes beautiful jewelry. Read on as we discuss the frequently asked questions on Swarovski jewelry. 

What is Swarovski?

Daniel Swarovski founded his famous jewelry business in 1895. Based in Austria, it has now grown to be a famous luxury brand. Though it is known for its crystals and jewelry accessories it is not the only product it makes. 

The business also deals in creating optical equipment, such as telescope sights, and binoculars. They also have a branch that creates machines for drilling, sawing, and grinding. 

For most people, the Swarovski crystal jewelry is what they see on a day-to-day basis. There are 300 stores around the world, spread out to over 170 countries. The organization still retains its family roots and is run by the fifth generation of the Swarovski family. 

What are Swarovski Crystals?

Swarovski crystals are not made naturally. This does not mean that their quality is any less. In fact, they often have a luster and sparkle that exceeds that of naturally occurring products. 

This is done with a mix of sand, lead, quartz, and minerals. Previously they did have a high lead count which increased their shine. This has now been reduced to an almost imperceptible amount, to make them lead-free and safe to wear. 

Jewelry from Swarovski is often set in classic metal plating. Palladium tone plating, white and gold-tone plating are often used. 

Does Swarovski Jewelry Tarnish?

Swarovski jewelry is known for its durability and hard-wearing nature. Like any jewelry, it does tarnish given the right circumstances. It can be cleaned easily. 

Exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged direct sunlight can cause fading. You will also find that pieces worn for long periods of time may begin to tarnish due to day-to-day wear. You need to clean them frequently if you can not avoid these circumstances. 

To make it durable these crystals have a chemical coating. Certain substances can make it react, including chlorine from swimming pools, detergents, and even certain perfumes. 

Like any jewelry, the plated metals can flake off over time. It is not a big or expensive task to get these replated when the time comes. 

Zirconia vs Crystal

When buying Swarovski crystal jewelry you will have two options. These will be to buy classic crystals or zirconia. Both have advantages and disadvantages. 

Zirconia is harder than crystal. This means it will be more durable. Crystal may be more likely to scratch. 

Another reason to buy zirconia is that it is one of the closest imitations to diamond available. Swarovski actually applies many diamond standards to their zirconia gemstones. This results in increased sparkle and shine. 

While cheaper than a diamond, zirconia is more expensive than the standard Swarovski crystals. This makes it a great middle-ground between the two. Zirconia is an ideal substitute for a diamond. 

How Do I Know It Is Genuine?

With such a desirable brand comes the inevitable counterfeits. The main way to make sure you are getting the real deal is to shop with a trusted vendor. There are also a few key signs you can look out for. 

Firstly, Swarovski jewelry also has a certificate of authenticity. Tags and stickers on the item should also have the Swarovski seal, along with a 16 digit verification code. You can check this on the brand's website. 

Check the crystals themself. Many items will have a logo laser etched into them. Any products made after 1989 also have the company swan logo engraved into them. 

Swarovski crystals are also flawlessly made. If there are any bubbles or imperfections in the crystal it is likely it is a fake. Genuine Swarovski crystals also have a brilliant sparkle which may not be in the fake versions. 

Is It Good Quality?

Swarovski is extremely popular for two reasons. The first is its high-quality products. The second is its wide catalog, which can cater to a vast scope of budgets and tastes. 

Whatever you decide to buy, if it comes with the Swarovski seal of quality you will find their products even have more sparkle and shine than real crystals. Many people are surprised that lead is included in them, but this provides much of the durability and sparkle. 

Can I Shower While Wearing Swarovski?

Certain chemicals can damage the crystal's coating, it is not advised to shower with the products on. Soaps and cleaning products may take off the protective coating, damaging your jewelry. While odd splashes of water won't impact it immediately, repeat washing could erode the product. 

Is Swarovski Jewelry Good Value?

On a basic level, the quality to price ratio with Swarovski is exceptional. You get quality imitation crystals, made by experts in the field. 

If the jewelry holds its value on the second-hand market is unknown. They do not contain precious metals like gold, silver, or palladium so these market prices do not impact it. Thus, much of its sale value is dictated by current trends and fashions. 

Buying Jewelry

Buying jewelry is a pleasure when you shop for Swarovski. As many other people use their crystals in products, the possibilities are endless. You just need to find something to suit your style and wardrobe. 

wehoautodetail should be your first stop. We have a wide range of products including Swarovski jewelry. Click here to see our excellent range and accessorize your wardrobe today. 

How Do You Keep Sterling Silver From Turning Your Finger Green?

If you're not sure how to keep sterling silver from turning your finger green, then we've got your back. Find out why and how to stop it here!

Keyword(s): Turning Your Finger Green

You've had a long day at work. You come home and feverishly ditch your work clothes for your favorite pair of comfy pants and take off your jewelry, only to look down at your hands and see a green stain where your favorite ring used to be. The ring is turning your finger green!

First of all, there's no need to panic - you're not breaking out into a rash or having an allergic reaction, and you definitely don't need to toss your favorite ring into the garbage.

Does Sterling Silver Turn Your Finger Green?

Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% of silver. However, it's not strong by itself (it takes on a liquid form), so the other 7.5% is a combination of other metals; most commonly, copper and zinc. These other metals give sterling silver its durability to be used in items like jewelry, plates, and silverware. 

When a ring turns your finger green, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's a cheap piece of jewelry. This is a common misconception - all metals oxidize at some point, regardless of the worth of the piece.

Your finger turns green from sterling silver because of a chemical reaction between the metal and your skin. Copper is usually the culprit; it reacts with the pH levels on your skin to create the green color where your skin and the metal meet.

Take a look at the hand cream next to your bed, too - some of the chemicals in these creams will also cause the metal to oxidize, even if your skin isn't normally sensitive.

Keep scrolling for tips on how to stop a ring from turning your finger green.

Give It The Clear Nail Polish Treatment

Clear nail polish has become the duct tape of the fashion world - it's a fixer, and the same is true for sterling silver jewelry. Use the polish on the inside of your ring to create a barrier between the silver and the skin. However, it's not a permanent fix and you'll have to reapply as needed.

Keep Your Hands Dry

A simple solution is to take off your rings before you shower, wash your hands, go swimming, etc. This is much easier said-than-done, of course, but it's something to keep in mind.

Swimming is a big one, as the chlorine in pool water can cause damage to your jewelry.

Apply A Polymer Barrier To Stop Your Ring From Turning Your Finger Green

This is a method that tends to be more effective than clear nail polish, and it's not too expensive, either. Just like the nail polish, you'll need to re-apply every few weeks.

This is also a safer bet than clear nail polish, as it's specifically made for jewelry and won't cause any damage to your rings.

Pickle That Ring!

Yes, you read that right but don't run to your fridge and wolf down a whole jar of dills just yet.

You're going to want to use a combination of water and ammonia, which you can purchase at the grocery store. Use a 50/50 mix of both ingredients and soak your sterling silver ring in it for two full days.

How To Get Rid Of Your Green Finger 

You’re probably looking down at your hand as you scroll through these suggestions and thinking, "That's great, but my finger is already green. How do get the discoloration off my skin?"

First of all, it's not a permanent discoloration, so you don't need to worry about any long-term effects. In rare cases, a person can develop a copper allergy if the problem is not dealt with in a timely manner.

Ideally, your skin should go back to normal in a few hours. If it doesn't, lor you just can't stand to look at the stain anymore, you can remove it yourself.

First, use warm water on a washcloth, along with a couple of drops of liquid soap. Then, rub the cloth on your skin to remove the stain. Rinse your hands afterward.

If this doesn't do the trick, rubbing alcohol is also an option. Grab a cotton ball, wet it, and then apply the rubbing alcohol to it. This should remove the excess staining from your fingers.

Of course, another problem could be that there is some of that green gunk stuck to the inside of your ring. It's called verdigris (pronounced 'verda-greez') and it can eat away at your jewelry over time if you don't remove it.

A toothbrush is the safest way to do it, as the soft bristles won't damage or scratch your jewelry. For super small spots, a toothpick will work as well. For newer spots, a pencil eraser will also do the trick.

White vinegar mixed with water is a good solvent to use for tougher stains; you can soak your jewelry in the mix for a half-hour and then scrub. Do NOT use the white vinegar mix on pieces that have foil backings or pearls.

After removing the green stuff, you're going to want to use a metal polish to shine up your piece.

This Applies To ALL Sterling Silver Jewelry

These tips don't just apply to rings; you can use the same methods to clean up and prevent verdigris buildup on necklaces, bracelets, etc.

Finally, if all else fails, you might want to consider another piece of jewelry. If you're looking for rings that won't turn your finger green, look for rhodium-plated rings or rings that are made of stainless steel and platinum.

While these items can be a bit more pricey than sterling silver, you can be confident in knowing that they won't turn your skin green, no matter how many times you wash your hands.

The best long-term method is to clean your rings and other sterling silver jewelry regularly and make sure that you remove them to avoid getting your hands wet.

Still Feeling Green? 

For more tips on how to take care of your favorite sterling silver items, check out on our wehoautodetail Jewelry blog. 

If you have questions about sterling silver turning your finger green, feel free to contact us or call us at (+370) 66174702. Happy shopping, jewelry lovers!

How Long Does It Take for Sterling Silver to Tarnish?

Sterling silver is a popular option for jewelry. But how long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish? Click here to learn some tips on how to prevent this!

Keyword(s): how long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish 

Sterling silver is stronger and more durable than both regular silver and gold. For these reasons, and the sheer number of traditional and modern artisans working in sterling silver, this type of jewelry is some of the most popular.

But how long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish? 

That question is more complicated than it would first seem. Sterling silver can begin to tarnish in anywhere from 2 months to 3 years, but don't let that worry you.

Tarnish is no big deal and there are simple ways to clean and prevent it.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Real silver, or silver with close to 99.9% purity, is just too soft for use as jewelry. To make it stronger and more durable, silver is mixed with copper and sometimes zinc or nickel to strengthen the precious metal. This silver alloy is called sterling silver and is generally about 92.5% pure. 

Other types of silver include coin silver or silver plating. Coin silver is another composite alloy and is generally no more than 90% pure.

Silver plating is a coating of sterling silver over a less valuable metal. With silver plating, the sterling silver coating will eventually wear away and look less desirable.

The name sterling silver most likely comes to a type of silver coin that was originally minted by Britain's King Henry II, due to its steady value and durability. It is believed the coins, at 92.5 % purity, were known as "Easterling coins." This name was soon shortened from Easterling to just sterling.

Today, the best silver artisans work in sterling silver, following in the footsteps of icons like Charles Lewis Tiffany and Sotirios Bulgaris.  

To easily tell if a piece of jewelry is sterling silver, it'll be stamped with "925," a reference to the silver's purity rating. 

What Is Tarnish?

When metals are exposed to the air, they experience a chemical process called oxidation. This oxidation can produce a number of different outcomes from rust on steel to tarnish on silver. 

The silver alloy is actually combining with latent sulfur in the air released from natural organic decomposition and environmental factors like volcanic eruptions and pollution. The chemical reaction between silver and sulfur creates silver sulfide, which is black. 

Tarnish, therefore, is a thin film of this silver sulfide on your sterling silver. 

On a large sterling silver platter, for instance, this tarnish can look like a patina of brown over the serving vessel. On a silver locket, the tarnish can appear as spots of discoloration on the piece's face or chain. 

How Long Does It Take for Sterling Silver to Tarnish?

That depends. As stated above, the amount of time it takes for the tarnish to form depends on the amount of exposure the sterling silver piece exposed to air.

Also, natural oils in the skin can help speed up the oxidation.

In a controlled environment, it could take sterling silver a couple of years to tarnish. Or if the piece is constantly worn without applying preventative steps, it could take just a few months for the piece to begin to show signs of tarnish. 

How to Clean Sterling Silver

So what can you do? Preventing sterling silver from tarnishing is really no big deal and takes just a few seconds or minutes.

The best way to prevent your favorite pieces of sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is to clean them after wearing. Not only will this remove any dirt or natural oils that may have accumulated, but it'll also prevent the chemical process of oxidation.

To wash your sterling silver, use warm water, scrub gently with a cloth, and then dry. You can even wash your sterling silver while you shower, just as long as you dry the piece afterward.

A word of caution: Wearing your sterling silver in the shower is not the same as wearing it in the pool. The chlorine, like your body's natural oils, can accelerate the potential for oxidation and tarnish.

Another way to prevent tarnish is to keep your pieces in an airtight jewelry box. Latent chemicals in the air fuel oxidation. So by limiting exposure to air, you'll reduce the oxidation. 

Another method for reducing tarnish is to add a tarnish tab to your jewelry box. These paper strips help pull the sulfur and moisture out of the air and away from your sterling silver jewelry.  They come in a range of styles and their duration of effectiveness varies by manufacturer. 

Removing Tarnish

If you already have tarnish spots on your sterling silver, there are a couple of methods to remove the blemishes depending on the extent of the oxidation.

For light tarnish or spotting, scrubbing with a specially coated anti-tarnish cloth can remove the discoloration. However, be careful not to overuse the tarnish cloth because it can sometimes reduce the luster of your jewelry. 

Also, for light tarnishing, a toothbrush and light baking soda and water mixture can also do the trick. Scrub lightly with the toothbrush and solution and dry thoroughly.

For heavy tarnishing and full discoloration, an over-the-counter tarnish remover is probably called for. Searching for a silver cleaner or "silver dip" will produce a number of results. One of the more popular products is Wright's Silver Cleaner and Polish Cream.

Sterling Silver Is Right for You

Sterling silver is perennially popular by consumers and jewelers because of its strength, malleability, and an endless parade of designs.

Maybe, more importantly, sterling silver is an affordable precious metal that expresses a timeless quality. Many of the designs are pieces are exclusive and make a statement about the wearers' focus and brand. 

When you are wearing the right piece, no one will ask you, "How long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish?"

Especially when the proper and simple care is shown, which can be as simple as an airtight jewelry box, an readily available cleaner,or just a simple washing.  

Shop our extensive sterling silver offerings or our latest and bestselling jewelry made of gold or precious stone designs.

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