How to clean a silver ring

by | Sep 4, 2021 | Rings | 0 comments

Silver rings are always in fashion. But many of those who wear a silver ring may notice that it may have darkened and become dull. How to clean the silver ring right so as not to damage the product and quickly return it to its original shine? The editorial staff of The Gothic Merchant shares relevant and safe methods.

Why does silver darken?

The silver piece darkens, but this is a natural process. The jewelry is in contact with the body, where chemical processes constantly occur, including the synthesis of subcutaneous fat and sweat secretion. The metal, or rather the alloy components, reacts to their chemical composition so that a dark film may appear on the product.

If there is a lot of nitrogen in the human body, the jewelry retains its shine and radiance for a long time; if there is more sulfur, it darkens quickly. For jewelry manufacture, not pure silver is used, but its alloy with copper, which reacts.

Silver items do not like moisture; they quickly become covered with a black coating with frequent contact with water. Therefore, when bathing in the shower, taking a bath, or simply washing your hands, remove the ring. Silver rings also darken from exposure to cosmetics – apply your favorite cream when there is no jewelry on your fingers.

How can you clean silver at home?

Cleaning silver jewelry at home is a process that requires care. The presence of gilding, enamel, blackening, and rhodium plating directly affects the cleaning method – they may not withstand the use of too aggressive abrasives and alkaline solutions. Therefore, all experiments with vinegar or other liquids and mixtures will cost the jewel’s life.

HOW TO CLEAN A SILVER RING WITH BAKING SODA

Soda is the simplest and most common tool for cleaning silver items without stones and an abundance of decor. Add a little water to a small amount of baking soda: to make a thick slurry. Then apply the mixture to the jewelry with a soft toothbrush or sponge, and then rinse with cold, clean water. After such a procedure, a ring, earring, chain, and even a silver pendant will restore its original shine. But observe the condition: do not rub the product too vigorously to avoid the appearance of small scratches on the surface.

We like to clean silver jewelry with baking soda. But it is worth remembering: abrasive particles can irreparably damage the metal and cause scratches, so you must do cleaning carefully. Rhodium plating, enamel, gilding, and blackening may not at all withstand even the mildest home cleaning methods, so it is better not to risk it and entrust the cleaning to a jeweler.

HOW TO CLEAN SILVER JEWELRY WITH FOIL

Foil-cleaning silver rings are another popular homemade method of restoring shine. You will need a deep bowl or bowl, foil, and salt. Pour water into the selected container – 1 cup is enough, put aluminum foil into it – 5 or 7 small balls, add 1 tbsp. l. common table salt, stir the solution well to dissolve the salt completely. Place the jewelry in the solution and let sit for 10 minutes. If the dirt is not very strong, this time will be enough to remove plaque and return the shine to the rings. You can do the same by replacing the salt with baking soda.

Combining foil and baking soda is another way to clean silver rings. On the Internet, it is recommended to boil such a solution. But we are against such manipulations: it is much safer to take the jewelry to a jeweler or use professional cleaning products. After all, blackness may not disappear, but there is a great risk of damaging the enamel, gilding, or blackening.

Silver can be cleaned not only with soda, foil, or salt. It is believed that the mildest and safest way to clean silver jewelry is by peeling with raw potatoes. Try it if you have a lot of courage and time.

How to clean a silver ring with toothpaste? The method is most often chosen for cleaning chains, but toothpaste with large particles also belongs to abrasives, so you should be careful with such methods.

HOW TO CLEAN A DARKENED SILVER RING

When the dirt on silver jewelry is too dense, and ammonia recipe helps remove plaque and blackness. Pour a glass of water into a small container, add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide – you can stop at three and 1 tsp. Ammonia. Place the products in the mixture for 10-20 minutes. Then remove the rings and wipe with a flannel cloth or any other soft cloth.

To cleanse heavily blackened jewelry, you can use a thick soap and soda solution. The time of such a procedure will take from 20 to 30 minutes. It is not recommended to keep it longer not to damage the unique top layer of the products, and use a mild, alkali-free product as a soap base.

Jewelry method of cleaning silver with professional solutions

Each of the homemade methods for cleaning silver rings has its own nuances. You can resort to the good old classics, but now you can easily abandon the usual cleansing methods in favor of special jewelry cosmetics. These blends already contain the required concentration of active ingredients to remove plaque, blackness, and dirt safely. Always wear gloves when applying cosmetics to jewelry.

HOW TO CLEAN A SILVER STONE RING

The hardest thing to clean at home is a silver ring with a stone or engraving. If you decide on a home procedure, you should be aware that there is a risk of damaging the gem. Therefore, find out about the peculiarities of cleaning different inserts before putting your jewelry in an order. Do not use needles or other sharp objects: this can scratch stone or metal. For the procedure, choose the softest detergents, brushes. Still, it is best to entrust the cleaning of such jewelry to a professional – its quality and safety justify the cost of the service.

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