Jewelry has always been the eternal companion of women, and among the myriad of materials available, 925 sterling silver stands out for its graceful, elegant appearance and outstanding compatibility.
However, even with the highest quality materials, proper care is essential to ensure these jewels retain their original lustre and extend their lifespan. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics of 925 sterling silver, and provide you with a comprehensive and practical care guide to sterling silver jewelry.
925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This composition imparts superior hardness and durability to 925 sterling silver, while retaining the splendid lustre unique to pure silver. The material is often marked with a silver hallmark, symbolising its superior quality.
Despite the relative hardness of 925 sterling silver, it still requires careful handling. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your 925 sterling silver jewellery shining brightly over time.
Humid environments and sulphides in the air are adversaries to 925 sterling silver, causing silver items to discolour and tarnish. Common sulphides include sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide, found in bleach, hot springs, exhaust from burning coal, and acid rain. When not wearing your 925 sterling silver jewellery, we suggest storing it in a sealed bag to isolate it from air and moisture.
925 sterling silver is sensitive to certain chemicals. Therefore, in addition to the sulphides mentioned above, it's also essential to avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, bleach, and cleaning agents. In daily life, it is recommended to wear your silver jewelry after applying makeup and perfume to minimise chemical damage to the jewelry.
While 925 sterling silver exhibits anti-oxidizing properties, prolonged exposure to sunlight may still cause surface discolouration. Therefore, when not wearing your jewelry, store it in a cool place, avoiding direct sunlight.
While it's impossible to completely prevent silver jewelry from oxidising and discolouring, regular cleaning can effectively remove oxidants from the surface of 925 sterling silver, maintaining its natural lustre and restoring its original shine. Common methods include using silver polishing cloths, silver polish cream, and silver cleaner which utilises redox reactions.
Silver polishing cloths and silver polish cream, which can be easily purchased online, are great DIY maintenance choices for many consumers. Silver polishing cloths are the simplest method, suitable for items with simple designs and flat surfaces, such as cutlery, bowls, and mirrors. It's important to note that silver polishing cloths usually contain abrasives, so care should be taken to avoid damaging the jewelry with excessive force.
For slightly more complex and three-dimensional designs, silver polish can be a good choice. Compared to polishing cloths, silver polish cream can better enhance the lustre of silver jewelry. The concept of the cream involves using chemicals like sulfuric acid and nitric acid to corrode the oxidants on the surface. Basically, with each use, the cream removes some of the surface silver. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it frequently. Additionally, it is important to rinse the silver thoroughly with water after using the polish. This will prevent residual chemicals from continuing to corrode the silver.
Circle of Life Collection - Green Jadeite Earrings with Tassels
The above two home maintenance tools are only suitable for relatively simple designs. However, if your jewelry has a complex design and is inlaid with other gems or plated with other metals (for example, the Jade Artisan new arrival Luminous Green Ribbon 2 in 1 Jadeite Brooch and Spring Dusk Jade Bracelet), we recommend taking it to a professional jewellery store for maintenance and inspection. This prevents damage from improper handling, such as scratching the surface-set pearls or diamonds or causing the gold plating layer to peel off and fade. Professional stores use silver wash or other chemical components to restore oxidants attached to the surface, making the jewelry shine again.
2024 New Arrival - Luminous Green Ribbon 2 in 1 Jadeite Brooch
2024 New Arrival - Spring Dusk Jade Bracelet
At Jade Artisan, we are committed to providing high-quality, long-lasting, and fairly-priced jewellery. Our brand takes great care in designing each piece, not only in terms of the carving, but also in material selection and integration, to ensure that it adds a touch of simple elegance and lasting beauty to your daily life. We firmly believe that with proper care, even relatively inexpensive 925 sterling silver jewelry can accompany you throughout your daily life, shining brightly and becoming a treasured memory.
🎁 Find your jade jewelry on Jade Artisan's official website or contact us to have yours custom-made.
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