Almost every person in the world loves jewelry, no matter if we are talking about rings, necklaces, bracelets, or cufflinks. We spend hours, even days choosing the right accessory, and the material is something that makes the biggest difference. Sterling silver pieces are some of the most cherished ones, and nowadays, more than 60% of the most popular jewelry pieces are made of this material.
When we choose the right design and the perfect piece for us, we are ecstatic, and we want to wear it everywhere and anywhere. However, as time goes by, your favorite piece will start to lose from its shine and beauty, and you will wonder what you could’ve done to take care of it better.
Maintaining, cleaning, and taking care of your jewelry is extremely important if you want the piece to last for decades and even generations. Silver pieces are really likely to lose form their shine when we wear them, and when we don’t, they may change colors and start to oxidize. This only means that they are made from natural materials, and they are not a copy of the original.
The great thing is, there are ways you can clean and maintain them, so you don’t even notice that years have passed since you’ve purchased them. In this article, we are going to tell you more about some of the best ways you can maintain your accessories, and how to make sure they will look as good as the day you bought them.
1. How to store it?
Once you purchase that perfect piece that complements every outfit, the first thing you need to learn is how to store it. There are some things that we wear all the time, and when it comes to others, we keep them away and put them on only on special occasions.
When you think about storing sterling silver jewelry, you need to know that every piece should be stored separately, or at least in a container that has different segments. This will prevent the pieces from tangling or damaging each other. Know that if you want to avoid tarnish, you should keep them in an air-tight container and expose them to as little air as possible. The more they stay out in the open, the grated the chances are for them to oxidize. You can choose zip lock bags, or you can just purchase special bags for this type of jewelry piece.
They should never be left out in the open, or exposed to direct sunlight. It is best if they are kept in a dark and cold place, away from any moisture. You can put them in your drawer or cabinet, as long as you don’t open it too frequently. Keep away any fluids or things that could damage your precious accessories. Don’t put the pieces in something made of cotton, as the sulfur that is part of the material may damage the accessories in the long run.
2. How to clean it?
Next, we will talk about what is the best way to clean your accessories. As you already know there are different types, and even though they are made of the same material, the jewelry can have additional gems and crystals. When it comes to sterling silver rings, they are designed to stay beautiful and to be extremely durable, however, if you want to keep the perfect shine, you need to clean them regularly. If you are interested in looking at different designs, and how they can be matched with your outfit, you can click here.
Know that the pieces can make or break your style, so always be prepared to spend some time, at least once per month, in cleaning them. You can always use the special cloth for cleaning silver pieces, and it should usually work the best in most cases. If you want to do deep cleaning, then you can start with some soap and lukewarm water. Be gentle, clean every part of the accessory, and see if it helps. You can also try mixing baking soda with some water, and use a cloth to rub the paste on the piece. Mix vinegar and baking soda, let the accessories sit in the mixture for no more than 15 minutes, and gently scrub them. You can also try cleaning the ring or the bracelet with some toothpaste, as it can help return the shine.
No matter what you do, make sure you thoroughly wash the pieces afterward and dry them completely. Depending on how much you wear them, you should clean your accessories more or less often.
3. How to take care of it when you wear it daily?
Most of us wear our accessories all the time, but there are some things we can do to make sure they are protected. Always remove all jewelry before you take a shower or a bath, and don’t wear them while you exercise. You should avoid wearing them while you do your chores or household cleaning. Never let harsh chemicals touch them, and when you put them away to do your cleaning, don’t put them on wet surfaces.
You should wear the pieces often if you don’t want them to oxidize, but you should keep them away from direct sunlight. If you are going to the beach, or on a hike, it is better to leave the accessories at home. Know that these pieces should be put on the last when you are preparing for a night out, and you should never put perfume on them or near them.
The better you take care of your accessories, the longer they are going to last. Know that these things may sound complicated, but it is not difficult to get used to them. Wear your sterling silver jewelry with pride, and make sure you always present it in the best way possible.
When picking your personal ornaments, you should match them with your style, but you should not always steer away from bold pieces. Try something new, and know that you should never put too many pieces at once. For example, if you are wearing a statement ring, pair it with a necklace or earrings. If you are wearing a bold necklace, then don’t use the earrings, instead, put a bracelet on or a ring. Combine things and know that when it comes to accessories, less is more.
