How to clean silver at home: proven tips and methods

Many women prefer silver jewelry. And this is understandable. They are not only beautiful and feminine, but also much cheaper than gold or platinum.

There are many advantages of silver. It not only adds zest to your look, but also has a number of health benefits:

Has antimicrobial properties. If you place a silver item in a jug of clean water, it will acquire healing properties.
Has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. If it plays pranks, then you can periodically wear a silver chain on your hand.
Promotes healing and restoration of organs. This fact is proven by the fact that many medicines, as well as doctors’ instruments, contain this metal.

But, unfortunately, silver has one drawback: over time, it can acquire a black coating. This occurs because the metal reacts with components of the air. How to clean silver at home and get rid of unpleasant plaque, as well as how to clean silver jewelry with inserts, will be discussed in this article.

(Pictured: “Mystery of the Ocean” pendant with topaz)

Why does silver darken?

Ancient beliefs said that silver darkens if a person is jinxed or is sick. Fortunately, we live in the modern world, and this kind of prejudice can be thrown aside. The darkening of silver is influenced by very real factors, not related to otherworldly forces.

Blackening is affected by moisture. If you often come into contact with water, or jewelry is stored in the bathroom, then get ready to tidy it up quite often.
To think less about how to quickly clean silver, work in the kitchen with gloves, as detergents and cleaners, starch, salt, and onions affect the tarnish.
It is better to apply cosmetics and hand creams without jewelry; the oil from them lingers on the silver and makes it less shiny over time.
When you are taking medications, it is better not to wear silver jewelry, as some medications contain sulfur, and this, together with sweat, can negatively affect the shine of the item.
Silver can also darken due to its low quality; when the content of third-party substances in the product is exceeded, the jewelry turns black much faster.

Now that you know why silver jewelry loses its beauty, the likelihood of it becoming tarnished will be minimal. You can talk about what ways to clean silver at home exist.

The magic of jewelry

Chrysolite is endowed with the following magical properties:

symbolizes balance, sedateness, wisdom;
attracts financial well-being and good luck;
improves your mood and makes you love life.

Jewelry with a stone is a talisman for medical workers and lawyers.

Bracelet with pink opal and green peridot

The healing properties of the mineral have been studied since ancient times. It treats the heart, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and colds. Relieves nightmares and restores visual acuity.

Attention! For medicinal or magical purposes, you only need a new decoration. What is inherited is dangerous and, at best, indifferent to the owner.

Chrysolite is an egoistic stone and does not like grouping. Therefore, jewelry is worn one at a time.

Accessories with peridot will be useful for representatives of all zodiac signs. His favorite is Pisces. This suspicious sign will become more confident, love and value itself. Especially if he puts the ring on the index finger of his main hand. The stone's favorites are Leos and Virgos.

Bracelet with rauchtrin and green peridot

If jewelry is purchased as a magical attribute, it is purchased and brought home on the 22nd lunar day. They store it in the box for half a month so that the pebbles “get used to it.” Start using it on the 8th lunar day.

How to choose the right method for cleaning silver

It’s best not to start cleaning silver items thoughtlessly. After all, improper handling of jewelry in pursuit of how to quickly clean silver can lead to disastrous results and, as a result, the jewelry will be damaged.

After all, silver itself is one of the softest metals and scratches can be made on it by using the wrong materials.

Pay attention to the silver sample. The higher it is, the more gentle the cleaning should be. After all, if the sample of a product is high, then it contains very few foreign impurities and the product is quite fragile.
If silver jewelry has inserts, is covered with enamel or gold plated, then they need to be cleaned more carefully to avoid damage to the coating. Choose gentle polishing methods, or better yet, purchase special products to remove dirt.

How to clean a silver chain and other simple jewelry: You can safely clean them at home and restore their former shine. But if you have expensive, designer jewelry with inserts or application, then it is best to entrust cleaning to a jeweler.

Who is the jewelry suitable for?

The color of the stone makes accessories with it luxurious. They are suitable for any age and occasion. You just need to choose the right option.

Greenery color is considered a classic color in ethnic or denim ensembles, as a bright accent of the basic black, white and gray color scheme, muted pink or blue.

The frame material and insert design determine the use of the products.

Gold

Gold jewelry with large peridots: dangling earrings, massive rings, brooches are worn at social events, status events, trips to the opera or a luxury restaurant.

Gold earrings with peridot

This is an attribute of mature and older people. The owner of such accessories will not get lost among the guests. The gold frame and rich peridot inserts harmonize with dark or tanned skin.

Silver

Silver items with small stones and simple settings (stud earrings, rings, pendants) are daytime attributes. They are taken for a walk or to the office. A set of two or three items is appropriate. Accessories are suitable for people of any age for a business, casual or denim wardrobe.

Silver ring with chrysolite

Silver plus a light insert is an option for those with fair skin. The men's choice is a ring and pendant with a dark stone of a simple cut plus an ascetic frame made of gold or silver. Accessories are suitable for green-eyed or brown-eyed people.

Classics of the genre: cleaning silver using proven methods

Before you start cleaning your jewelry, let's prepare it for it. To do this, make a simple solution of liquid soap and water in a ratio of 1:2. Place silver items in it and lightly whip up the foam. Let it all sit for a little while, about ten minutes, then take it out and let it dry. This was done in order to remove grease and dust from the surface.

How to clean silver earrings or any other jewelry without inserts using baking soda.

The first way is to prepare soda porridge; there should be a little less water so that the soda does not dissolve. Take a soft brush and wipe the jewelry with it. Then rinse in running water and wipe with flannel until shiny.

The second method is to prepare a soda solution. Take a glass of water and boil it. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and lower a piece of cooking foil. Then we put the jewelry in this miracle liquid, wait half an hour and wipe it.

How to quickly clean silver using lemon and copper.

Acids are very effective in combating the blackening of silver. We will use the safest one - lemon.

Take half a liter of water, add one hundred grams of acid crystals, it can be found in any kitchen. Now we send the bowl with the solution to a water bath and throw a piece of copper into it (take a copper wire). When it all boils, lower the silver and wait fifteen twenty minutes. Next, we take it out, let the liquid drain and wipe it.

In the photo: “Star Dance” ring with sapphire

Unusual ways to quickly clean silver

Let's start by cleaning simple jewelry without stones or filigree. There are several simple but effective ways. And cleaning ingredients can be found in every home.

Coca Cola is not only a delicious drink, but also an excellent cleaning agent. In order to get rid of dark deposits on jewelry, pour soda into a saucepan, place the jewelry there and boil for ten minutes.
Another method that works is laundry detergent. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1:3, place the silver in the solution and boil for ten minutes.
There are special solutions for cleaning windows, usually they come with a spray bottle. How to remove blackness from a silver chain: spray the liquid on the item, leave for fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the degree of blackening, then wipe.
And one more bonus method, but this time polishing the product. If your decoration is simple and without curls, then you can polish it using a regular office eraser.

As you can see, these methods are unusual, but at the same time simple and will help cope with minor stains. Now it’s time to figure out how to clean earrings, pendants and rings with stones popular among fashionistas.

How to clean cubic zirconia in silver jewelry

Silver jewelry with cubic zirconia is very popular among women. These stones were produced artificially, but in their beauty and abundance of shades they are not inferior even to diamonds.

We offer several ways to clean cubic zirconias if they are dirty and give them their former shine.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to clean these stones is with a soapy solution of laundry soap. Grate it, about half a teaspoon, add half a glass of water and thoroughly dissolve the shavings. Dip the jewelry with cubic zirconia into it and hold it for a while, you can stir occasionally. Then take it out, let it dry and wipe with a soft cloth.
Use ammonia - this is one of the most popular methods. Dilute it in a ratio of one to six and lower the stones for two to three hours. If the stones are affected by blackening of the silver, this also happens, then hold the jewelry twice as long. After this, polish the jewelry.

Cubic zirconias are close relatives of diamonds; they have inherited their main qualities - strength and amazing shine. And to prevent it from getting lost, remove rings and earrings with cubic zirconia when you take a bath or cook in the kitchen. Then the question of how to clean cubic zirconia will disappear by itself.

Jewelry with gem

The stone is identified by its color - a mixture of sunlight and greenery. It is difficult to confuse it with other minerals. The shade makes products with chrysolite sophisticated and refined.

Range

It is believed that due to the fragility of the stone, it is better to buy pendants, pendants, earrings, and necklaces. That is, accessories protected from mechanical influences.

Peridot in jewelry

But jewelry brands offer all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets. They are made in the same style, so it is easy to assemble a set for a formal and everyday wardrobe.

An elegant brooch plays a key role in creating a business or evening image. As an option - a pendant made of gold with chrysolite. Other accessories are unnecessary against their background.
Earrings are made as studs or dangling.
The large single ring insert is luxurious in gold. Options with multi-colored mixed stones complement a silver summer wardrobe or a monochrome winter one.

The peak of popularity of peridot in jewelry occurred in the Art Nouveau era, that is, a century ago. The designers updated the theme using natural motifs: buds, bouquets, baskets of flowers, insects such as dragonflies or bees. For those who do not like such liberties, “geometry” and ethnic studies are offered.

Cut

The fragility of the stone and the heterogeneity of its structure complicate processing.

Craftsmen try to copy the natural forms of the crystal as much as possible. This technique enhances the shine, saves the weight of the stone, and eliminates the appearance of cracks.

If this happens, the insert is filled with resin to match the color. The gem is strengthened with oil or wax, but not ennobled.

Silver ring with chrysolites

Diamond, step, fancy or tabular cut of the stone is used. Specimens with inclusions, eye-shaped and star-shaped are treated with a cabochon, making it taller.

Large peridots receive a personal shape, small ones are cut serially. The final dominant shade of the stone depends on the type of processing.

Frame

Officially, peridot is a semi-precious stone, but it is accompanied by an elite setting.

Often this is red or white gold 585°, silver of the highest jewelry standard (925°) or gold plated.

Combination with other stones and materials

The green range of peridot in jewelry is diversified by stones of other shades.

Gold jewelry almost always contains white or colored cubic zirconia and chrysolite. Other options are a mix with amethysts, citrines, topaz, and cultured pearls. In silver products, the gem is complemented with artistic enamel. The product looks extraordinary.

How to clean topaz and sapphire: new ways

Topaz in jewelry is usually quite large. Agree, a massive stone that has lost its former shine does not look so attractive. How to clean topaz:

Take chalk powder (you can prepare it yourself by crushing white children's chalk with a rolling pin) and tooth powder in equal proportions. Mix it all well.
Add a little water until the mixture resembles the texture of toothpaste.
Take a makeup brush, scoop up the slurry and give it a good go over the stone.
After this, rinse with water and polish.

Sapphires are classified as precious stones. In combination with silver cutting, jewelry with it looks chic. If the stone is dirty, you can use a simple method to clean sapphire:

Take alcohol or an alcohol-containing solution
Dip a cotton swab into it and rub the stone thoroughly
Leave for a few minutes and then rinse with water

You can also use the soap solution mentioned above for this purpose. If the sapphire has become tarnished due to the accumulation of grease and dust, soak a stick in gasoline and carefully walk over the surface.