The single best way to avoid tarnishing of your sterling silver jewellery is to wear it – worn jewellery rarely tarnishes, unless a person has very specifically acidic body chemistry. This has to do with amino acids, and can change with changes in hormone balance, and with medication, particularly chemotherapy.
Environmental factors such as proximity to the ocean, or sulphur developing during cooking in your kitchen, can harm jewellery, especially sterling silver.
So don’t store your sterling silver over the sink, or by the open window facing the ocean, or next to your stove, or even in the bathroom where it is more humid then in other rooms. If you have them, store your jewellery in tarnish-resistance baggies when you are not wearing the pieces. This will also prevent the pieces of rubbing against each other in your jewellery box.
Unlike my Gentle Jewellery Cleaning Kit , which is for gold jewellery and items containing gemstones, the Silver Dip is not safe to use on all jewellery, but is exclusively for use on sterling silver. Do not use on porous gemstones, delicate pearls, opals, enamels or fashion jewelry.
It is, however, an amazingly well-working silver dip – once rough debris or oils are removed, simply immerse the sterling silver piece in the basket, count one-onehundred, two-onehundred, three-onehundred, four, and out it comes. Rinse immediately under running water. Dry with soft cloth. For very best results, use my Polishing Cloth for final polish.
Please be advised that this process will also remove any patina or oxidization, which may have been applied to your piece on purpose (these are like the dark lines in recesses to highlight designs).
One last word: Such magic does not happen without chemicals, so it is recommended that you open a window (or two) while you do this. There is a definite smell to this product, as well. But trust me, I have tried many many such product, and this is the best! You will love it.
will remove any and all oxidation from our piece. Some jewelry and charms are meant to have oxidation to bring out textures, stamping, etc.
If you do not have the silver dip solution, then try warm soapy water. Apply diluted dish detergent to a clean cotton or flannel cloth and rub the piece in one direction. Try to avoid circular motions. When not in use, store your well-dried jewellery in a sealed pouch, ideally tarnish resistant. I can mail you some if you need them.
For heavily stained pieces:
Let’s face it, sometimes jewellery gets very, very neglected. To remove heavier tarnish or oily build-up, soak and then wash your silver jewelry with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a very soft bristled toothbrush to loosen any stubborn bits. Then proceed to using the cleaning solutions.
Having said all that: the dark patina which builds up over time in the crevices of the OneFooter Series rings can become a very attractive element of a well-worn piece. Many of my collectors value this sign of age, when the ring remains shiny on the outside, because they wear it every day. Soapy water will definitely suffice, in that case :)
A last word: please do not use any homemade jewellery cleaning ideas, such as bleach, ammonia, baking soda or even toothpaste, on gemstones.
