Keeping Silver Clean
Why, over time, does silver turn a dull grey colour or even black? You may have heard this referred to as tarnish. What's actually...
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Please note - I am due to go on maternity leave at the end of November 2024. Until then my shop will be open as usual for Ready to Ship and In Stock pieces. Unfortunately my Made to Order and Bespoke services are suspended due to time and energy constraints. Thanks for your support! Emma x
Jewellery Care
Please note that each product is hand made by Emma and therefore unique, slight variations in form and material are part of the unique character of her work. The purchaser is responsible for the care of the work, to make sure you take the best possible care of your jewellery, please take a look below for the specific care directions for the material and finish that your piece of jewellery belongs to.
Silver Jewellery
All Silver will oxidise naturally over time and pieces with a textured surface can be enhanced nicely by this effect. However if you wish to keep the surface of your jewellery from tarnishing too quickly you can occasionally clean it with an old, soft toothbrush warm water and some washing up liquid or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Certain conditions react with the surface of your silver jewellery and cause it to tarnish quicker:
- The chemicals in a swimming pool
- Salt water
- Damp, humid conditions, such as bathrooms if left for an extended period of time
- Certain beauty products for skin and hair
- Perfume
In order to keep your silver jewellery looking bright I recommend you:
- Clean it regularly with an old, soft toothbrush, warm water and some washing up liquid or a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Use polishing cloths or silver dip where appropriate to remove any surface tarnish.
Gold Jewellery
Gold does not react chemically with much, and therefore does not tarnish in the same way that silver does. This is part of the reason it is considered such a good metal for long wearing jewellery such as wedding rings. However dirt and grime can still dull the surface and become caught in any textured pieces.
In order to keep your gold jewellery looking bright I recommend you:
- Clean it regularly with an old, soft toothbrush, warm water and some washing up liquid or a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Use polishing cloths where appropriate to brighten up the surface.
How to treat different finishes...
Satin Finish
Don't use a polishing cloth on these pieces as this may dull the surface.
Do clean it regularly with an old, soft toothbrush, warm water and some washing up liquid, to remove any dirt that may dull the surface. (If you need to refresh the satin finish of the piece, you can do this by using a clean piece of scouring pad).
Oxidised Finish
Don't clean using silver dip for oxidised pieces. The Oxidised Silver is what gives the surface of each piece it's black finish.
Don't use a polishing cloth on these pieces as it will remove the oxidised, black surface.
Don't wash pieces too regularly with soap and water, as this will gradually wear away the outer surface of the piece, revealing the un-oxidised silver underneath.
Polished Finish
Do use Polishing cloths on these pieces. You can purchase these from most high street jewellery stores and a gentle rub from time to time will remove any tarnish that has accumulated on the surface and keep your jewellery looking clean and bright.
Do clean it regularly with an old, soft toothbrush, some warm water and washing up liquid, this will help to remove any dirt or oil that may dull the surface of your jewellery.
Tips for General Jewellery Care
- Remove your jewellery before engaging in practical activities, this will ensure that your jewellery does not get damaged.
- Beauty products for skin and hair can react with precious stones and metals, causing your jewellery to tarnish, discolour and possibly corrode. I recommend removing all jewellery while applying cosmetics, scents and sprays.
- Exposure to the environment can cause your silver jewellery to tarnish over time, however storing your jewellery in airtight boxes or bags will keep it looking newer for longer.
- Damp or humid conditions can cause your silver jewellery to oxidise. Remove all jewellery before bathing or showering and do not keep it on a windowsill or near a radiator.
- Try to avoid dropping your jewellery as the surface may scratch or dent. If you have a scratch that needs to be removed please use my Clean and Polish service or contact me directly at: info@emmawylie.co.uk
Services
If you have a much loved piece or pieces of EMMA WYLIE JEWELLERY which you would like to refresh with a professional clean and polish you can purchase one of my services below:
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