Better than brass and cheaper than gold, sterling silver is a noble metal best for jewelry lovers. From endless designs, to its high compatibility with gemstones sterling silver gemstone jewelry is the best. Explore 16 ways to clean and care for sterling silver gemstone jewelry like the pros do.
What is Silver Patina?
As pure silver is too soft, sterling silver is made with 92.5% of silver mixed with alloys such as zinc, copper and so on. Silver patina is a green, yellow or black color coating on the noble metal due to the reaction of the alloy with sulfur, oxygen or moisture in the air.
How different is Silver tarnish from Rust?
Rust damages the metal deep inside while tarnish oxidizes the top layer of the metal and protects the bottom layers from tarnishing.
8 Ways to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
1. Lemon and Olive Oil for Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Ideal for the shine and cleaning, lemon zest with olive oil does a lot of magic for sterling silver stone jewelry.
Owl Jewelry Vintage Silver Set; $28 USD
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 10 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Olive Oil: 1/2 Cup
- Microfiber cloth
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Lemon and Olive Oil
- Mix Lemon Juice in Olive oil.
- Rinse and rub Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with the above using a microfiber
- Wash off with warm water.
2. Baking Soda and Water for Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Check if your gemstone reacts with baking soda and water before cleaning with this method. It makes the sterling silver sparkle!
Sterling Silver Sea Turtle Blue Fire Opal; $46.95
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 5 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Water: As required
- Baking Soda: 1 Tablespoon
- Soft Cloth
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Baking Soda and Water
- Prepare a paste out of baking soda in water.
- Use the paste on the sterling silver gemstone jewelry and rub with a soft cloth.
- Wash off with warm water.
3. Opposite Tarnish Reaction
A clever way to restore the glow of sterling silver gemstone jewelry, reverse tarnish is a smart way to give your jewelry the spring cleaning.
Mother & Baby Elephant Necklace:$39.90
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 15 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Boiling Water
- Aluminum Foil
- Salt
- Bowl
- Baking Soda
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Tarnish Reaction
- Place aluminum foil on your pan.
- Keep sterling silver gemstone jewelry on the foil.
- Pour boiling hot water into the pan through the foil.
- Add baking soda and salt to the sterling silver gemstone jewelry.
- Stir the solids.
- Wash off after 10 minutes.
4. White Vinegar
Safe and organic, white vinegar for cleaning gemstone jewelry made of sterling silver is incredible. It makes the jewelry last long because you’re avoiding harsh commercial jewelry cleaners.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Black Pendant:$12.95 USD
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 4 Hours
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Baking Soda: 1-2 tablespoon
- White Vinegar: 1/2 Cup
- Soft Cloth
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with White Vinegar
- Stir the white vinegar with baking soda.
- Soak the sterling silver in it for up to four hours.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
5. Alcohol to Cleanse Regularly
Easy and affordable, alcohol helps to go into the crevices of the sterling silver gemstone jewelry that you can’t reach. Use it every day!
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Bowl
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Soft cloth
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Alcohol
- Add rubbing alcohol to a cup.
- Soak the sterling silver jewelry for 10 minutes in the cup.
- Now, place the jewelry out and dry with a soft cloth.
6. Get it Polished to Make Sterling Silver Jewelry Look New
The best way to keep your jewelry in sterling silver from losing its glow is by polishing it regularly. Go for the polishing spree every once a year or once in two years to keep it heirloom-quality.
925 Sterling Silver Twisted Chain; $11.99 USD
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 5 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Bowl
- Water
- Jewelry Polish
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Polish
- Create the solution as directed on the polish.
- Place the sterling silver gemstone jewelry soaked in the mixture for 10 seconds.
- Afterwards, clean it with a soft cloth.
7. Microfiber Cloth
Using harsh and abrasive clothes is a big no-no for sterling silver jewelry. Before following any cleaning mechanisms, check if it recommended for your gemstone too. Often hot water and chemicals can permanently damage the stone. That’s why, cleaning your sterling silver gemstone jewelry at the end of the wear every day is a wise thing to retain its luster.
Amethyst Blue Fire Opal 925 Sterling Silver Ring; $34.95
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 1 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Time
- Microfiber Cloth
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Microfiber Cloth
- At the end of the day, remove the Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry.
- Clean it with a Microfiber Cloth.
- Don’t wear it at night.
8. Warm Water Cleansing
Ideal for daily cleansing of sterling silver jewelry, warm water is the safest for most crystals too.
Shooting Star Sterling Silver Bracelet; $29.90 USD
Total Time to clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry: 2 Minutes
Things to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
- Water
- Soft Bristle Brush or Microfiber cloth
How to Clean Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry with Warm Water
- Prepare lukewarm water.
- Soak your sterling silver gemstone jewelry in the warm water.
- Take a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to clean the jewelry.
- Dry it off.
8 Dos and Don’ts when wearing Sterling Silver Jewelry
· Do Clean Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Regularly
Often, the main cause of dullness of sterling silver gemstone accessories is the dust and quartz that leeches onto it from the air around. To avoid it, clean the jewelry every day after your wear.
Sterling Silver Snake Chain Necklace; $39.95 USD
· Do NOT Exercise with Your Sterling Silver
Sweat always makes the silver go bad quickly. From dents to oxidation, exercise is a strict no-no while wearing sterling silver jewelry.
Vintage Carving Flower Sterling Silver Ring; $37.90 USD
· Do Store Your Gemstone Jewelry Carefully
Caring for your sterling silver gemstone jewelry starts with storage. Keep it in an airtight container to avoid coming in contact with sulfur or oxygen that might lead to tarnishing.
Amethyst and Opal Sterling Silver Ring; $289 USD
· Do NOT Bathe with Your Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Chlorine is another giant threat to the safety of your sterling silver jewelry. You must always remove the jewelry to prevent the metal from reacting.
Rose Flower Natural Ruby Ring; $97.99
· Do Use Chalk/ Silica for 925 Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Both chalk and silica gel you get when buying shoes are excellent to keep the moisture out of the sterling silver gemstones jewelry.
Multi Heart Topaz Ring; $49.90 USD
· Do NOT Swim with Your Silver Jewelry
Chlorine is dominant in swimming pool water. If you’re at the sea, keep your jewelry safe before going into the water.
Diamond Crystal 925 Sterling Silver Ring; $17 USD
· Do Use Anti-Tarnish Strips for Silver Gemstone Jewelry
You can drop one or two anti-tarnish paper strips when storing your silver gemstone jewelry to prevent oxidation of the metal.
Blue & White Fire Opal Silver Ring; $29.95 USD
· Do Not Garden with Your Silver Jewelry
Dirt and gardening tools that are often sharp pose many threats to your sterling silver gemstone jewelry. Avoid gardening with your jewelry on!
Crystal 925 Sterling Silver Mystic Topaz Set; $59 USD
Before you go …
It is not easy to Clean and Care for Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry as the air we breathe is poison to your lovely jewelry. Apply the above and share your secrets with us!
Stay powerful!~
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