Care for Your New Silver Jewellery
Over time, silver can become dull and tarnished due to the process of oxidisation. Oxidisation is a natural chemical reaction between the silver and the various elements in the air - although it is unsightly and generally undesirable, it is a great indication that your silver is of good quality. Oxidisation can be reversed by simple use of a good quality silver cleaning cloth.
If you don't wear your silver jewellery regularly you may find it tarnishes quickly - wearing your silver actually helps to slow down and even prevent the oxidisation process as natural oils on the skin help to protect the surface of the silver.
Follow these simple tips to help keep your silver tarnish free:
- When not wearing your silver jewellery store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to the air.
- Salt water can tarnish silver and chlorine can damage silver, so avoid wearing your jewellery in the sea or when you are in contact with chlorinated water.
- Many household and cosmetic substances can tarnish your silver - hairspray, shampoo, soap, cleaning products and even hot water can discolour your jewellery. If in doubt, remove your jewellery to avoid unnecessary contact.
Some of my pieces of jewellery are deliberately oxidised under controlled conditions to achieve a design effect. Please note that over time this oxidisation may change in appearance due to environmental factors and natural chemical process.
