Because of its complex designs and exquisite structure, sterling silver earrings are the most difficult jewelries to maintain. Compared with rings that have more simplistic embellishments, earrings have the peculiarities of semi-precious stones that make cleaning a daunting task. If your silver earrings get stained your next best option is to have professionals clean them which may not be cheap. Here are ways to clean your silver earrings and any other elaborately designed jewelry.
Sterling silver gets tarnished because of a chemical reaction that occurs when silver interacts with the substance sulfur, which is naturally found in our environment. Silver sulfide is the dark substance that forms in the surface of the silver. This dark pigmentation of the surface can be removed using polishing compounds. But in the process of all that rubbing and polishing, parts of the silver jewelry are actually being lost.
Here is the good news, there is now a way to bring back the glitter of sterling silver earrings without rubbing and without losing the silver’s intricate makeup. This solution is so simple and so easy to do that you will wonder why you never heard of it before. With the help of science and simple chemistry you will be able to bring back the shine and elegance of your jewelries. This cleaning solution costs only a fraction of the professional cleaning kit and the best of all is that you can usually find this in your kitchen.
Get an aluminium foil and cover the bottom of your glass or hard plastic container. Pour on the container with boiling, hot water, making sure it is up to the level enough to cover all pieces and mix with several tablespoons of washing soda or sodium carbonate. When the washing soda dissolves in hot water place the jewelleries inside the container and let them settle nicely on the aluminum foil. Ensure that the jewelries are not on top of one another, as in a heap, and they are laid out flat on the bottom, on the foil. You will notice that the solution will immediately get bubbly and a steamy vapor that emits a foul smell in the likeness of rotten eggs. Let the jewelries stay there for about one minute, then bring them out and rinse with cold water. You will see that the old beauty and luster of your sterling silver earrings has been restored.
Proper care and storage of your sterling silver earrings will assure that they last a lifetime. Browse our site at http://www.overstocksilver.com for more pointers on how to keep your silver jewelries beautiful and shiny, along the way you might even find some new pieces to add to your collection.
