Prevention

Tarnishing is the process of oxidation of metal, it starts to happen when silver comes in contact with chemicals like sulphur, ammonia and natural oils in your skin, and then left exposed to oxygen. The tarnishing process of silver over time isn't avoidable, but there are a few things you can do to help prevent it.

• Avoid contact with cosmetics and chemicals. Lotion, perfume, hair spray, chlorine etc. speed up the tarnishing process. So best to get ready for your day and then add your jewellery.
• Wear your pieces! It might sound contradictory, but wearing your jewellery as often as you can, will help you avoid tarnishing. Your skin produces natural oils that seem to clean the metal as it rubs and touches the skin, keeping it looking bright and shiny. However, this same oil will cause tarnish when jewellery is left unworn for long periods of time, so the best way to stop your silver tarnishing is to wear it!
• Storing your jewellery correctly. Your pieces should be in a moisture-free, cool dry place. Humidity, sunlight and heat can hasten oxidation.

Cleaning

There are many options on how to clean your silver jewellery. My favourite eco friendly method is to soak your pieces in vinegar and salt. see video 

Alternatively you can buy polishing cloths or a silver cleaner from stores or ofcourse give them to me for a refresher!

1. Line a heat proof bowl with aluminium foil. shiny side up
2. Mix boiling water with some salt and then add white vinegar
3. Add your silver pieces, making sure they are all touching the foil. Alternatively you can also wrap your silver in the foil.
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse your silver pieces under clean water and dry them with a soft cloth

If they need more of a thorough clean, you can also brush your silver with a paste made out of water dishwashing liquid and baking soda.

Be careful not to soak your jewellery if they have gems or pearls. They can be damaged by the vinegar.

Material