How to store your sterling silver jewelry.

Sterling silver, like other precious metals, can oxidize with time. But properly maintained silver jewelry improves with age and develops a lush patina. Keeping your sterling silver jewelry out in the open air and humidity for long time periods can cause it to tarnish quickly. You will begin to notice a yellowish hue on your jewelry which quickly turns to black. Tarnish is caused by oxidization, moisture in the air and quite often sunshine. When not wearing your favourite silver jewelry make sure to store it to keep tarnish to a minimum.

You can store your sterling silver jewelry in an air-tight protective bag made of tarnish proof cloth or use a plastic zip lock made of Mylar or polyethylene. Never use polyvinyl plastic bags or other plastic bags that contain sulfur compounds, they can make your jewelry tarnish faster. Do not rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt. Your jeweler should be able to provide these. Tissue paper or paper towels can cause scratches because of the fibers in these products.

Do not store your jewelry directly on wood surfaces as they can contain acids that will affect the sterling silver finish. Try not to keep your jewelry with other metals and rubber as these can also cause tarnish and damage.

Clean your sterling silver jewelry with a mild soap and water solution, allowing the water to bead up, and then patting dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver use. Ask your jeweler to recommend an appropriate brand.

Or you can make your own general-purpose jewelry cleaner by combining 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of washing soda (sodium carbonate), 1 tablespoon of household ammonia and 3 cups of warm water. Soak the jewelry in the solution for one to 10 minutes depending on how heavily tarnished it is. Store excess solution in a labeled and covered jar out of reach of children.

Jive Jewelry is a Canadian based online jewelry retailer featuring the latest in stunning sterling silver jewelry, sparkling Swarovski crystal and fabulous bridal jewelry. Jive Jewelry works directly with jewelry manufacturers throughout the world to guarantee great selection, and even better prices.