Sterling Silver Ornaments Storage Recommendations – How to Care, Store, and Stop Tarnish on Silver Jewelry

December 8, 2012
by Howard Walker

Keeping sterling silver jewelry pure is often considered hard enough for pieces you frequently put on. Unfortunately, pieces that are not worn for lengthy periods of time are not exempted from corrosion and tarnish as well. Therefore, silver jewelry maintenance is a critical skill for steering clear from corrosion and tarnish. By following a few simple rules, you can save yourself hours of polishing and keep your sterling silver jewelry dazzling and gorgeous for years.

Knowing Why Sterling Silver Accessories Tarnishes

The tarnish on sterling silver jewelry is is caused by oxidative reactions with sulfur, such as Hydrogen Sulfide, in the air and environment (the nickel or copper metals is also undergoes its unique oxidative reactions). The oxidation of silver merged with sulfur results in the darkening known as tarnish. Therefore, you must make certain your jewelry is dirt free and dry before keeping. Moisture, dirt, oils or other residual substances will increase tarnishing.

Containers for Silver Storage: A container that prevents air is best, since diminishing interaction with air will hinder corrosion. useful household objects with this function are zip lock bags, or any other air tight bag with non-abrasive surfaces, like those made of polyethylene or Mylar. Keep away from polyvinyl plastic bags though, as they have chemical substances that speed up tarnishing. If you\’re eager to spend extra, jewelry stores carry specialized bags and boxes that help hinder tarnishing. When storing, it\’s best to store jewelry in different bags, away from other hard objects that may scratch your jewelry\’s surface.

Places to Keep Sterling Silver Ornaments: Steer clear from excessively wet areas, places with unswerving sunlight, and areas where jewelry could come into direct contact with other items. Do not store jewelry directly on chemically coated surfaces, particularly wooden counter tops, as they contain compounds that may speed up tarnishing of your sterling silver.

Other Tools that Help Prevent Tarnish on Sterling Silver Accessories

1) Chalk – An old cure for preventing tarnish, just keep chalk in your jewelry box or container and it will naturally absorb chemical residues in the atmosphere.

2) Anti-Tarnish Strips – Sold in numerous shops, these strips are normally made from non-toxic materials that soak up tarnish causing reactants.

3) Anti-Tarnish cloths – Similar to the strips, these cloths are normally chemically treated or saturated with residues of silver; both take in sulfur and other corrosive substances in the air.

4) Silica Packs – Those diminutive packs you discover in medicine bottles and shoe boxes not to mention other places. Highly efficient in soaking up moisture in the atmosphere, keep them in your jewelry containers instead of the garbage; you\’ll be impeding tarnish and environmentally-conscious as well.

As a buyer of jewelry, nevertheless, it is critical to first know the quality jewelry you are paying for. Top brands like Chrome Hearts competitors range from Best grade alternatives and close replicas by bona fide jewelers to mass-producing bootleggers churning out poorly made imitations made from base raw materials such as aluminium & Copper alloys. Be warned!

If you wish to learn more about selecting premium grade replicas or freelancer alternatives solidly carved out from real sterling silver, visit fleur de Lis jewelry

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