Taking Care of Silver Jewellery

Why Silver Jewellery is Important

Silver jewellery has been valued for its beauty, durability, and versatility for centuries. Here are a few reasons why silver jewellery is important:

1. Affordability: Silver is a relatively affordable metal compared to gold and platinum, making it a popular choice for everyday jewellery.
2. Versatility: Silver can be easily shaped, moulded, and stamped into a variety of intricate designs, making it a popular choice for a wide range of jewellery styles.
3. Durability: Silver is a strong and durable metal that can withstand daily wear and tear.
4. Fashionable: Silver jewellery is trendy and fashionable, it can be paired with different styles and colors, and it can be dressed up or down.
5. Symbolism: Silver jewellery has been used to symbolise love, commitment, and friendship. It has also been used to mark special occasions and milestones, such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
6. Investment: Silver jewellery can also be a good investment, as the value of silver can fluctuate with market conditions, and it can hold its value over time.
7. Sustainability: Silver is a natural resource, and it is abundant and sustainable.

In summary, silver jewellery is important for its beauty, durability, and versatility, as well as its potential value as an investment and its significance in marking special occasions and milestones.

Why Does Silver Jewellery Turn Black

Silver jewellery can turn black due to a process called tarnishing. Tarnishing occurs when the silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, forming a blackish layer of silver sulphide on the surface of the jewellery. This reaction can be accelerated by factors such as exposure to air pollution, perspiration from the skin, and contact with certain chemicals such as chlorine and sulphur.

Additionally, it can happen due to skin oils, lotions, and perfumes. These oils can cause a chemical reaction with the silver, leading to discoloration and tarnishing.

Taking Care of Silver Jewellery

Taking care of silver jewellery can help prevent tarnishing and keep it looking shiny and new. Here are a few tips for taking care of silver jewellery:

1. Jewellery box

Store silver jewellery in a cool, dry place, such as a jewellery box or a sealed plastic bag. This will help protect it from air and humidity, which can cause tarnishing.

Storing silver jewellery in a box can provide several benefits, including:

• Protection from Tarnishing: Storing silver jewellery in a box can help protect it from air and humidity, which can cause tarnishing.
• Scratch Protection: A jewellery box can also provide protection from scratches and other types of physical damage.
• Organisation: Jewellery boxes are designed to keep jewellery organised and easy to find, which can save time and prevent losing or misplacing items.
• Preservation: A jewellery box can keep the jewellery in good condition by preventing it from being tangled or becoming damaged by other items.
• Aesthetics: Jewellery boxes can add a decorative touch to a room and create a polished look.
• Convenience: Jewellery boxes are portable, so it's easy to take the jewellery with you on the go, and to store it in a safe place when not in use.
• Cost-effective: Jewellery boxes can be a cost-effective way to store and protect jewellery, especially when compared to other types of storage options.

Overall, a jewellery box can be a great way to keep silver jewellery looking beautiful and in good condition for many years to come.

We have some good news for you. At Zarkan, all jewellery that you order comes in a premium gift box that adds to the protection and aesthetics of your jewellery. Check out Zarkan's website here.

2. Clean Regularly

Clean silver jewellery regularly with a soft cloth or a specialised silver cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive materials, such as baking soda or toothpaste, as these can scratch the surface of the silver.

Cleaning silver jewellery regularly can provide several benefits, including:

• Tarnish Prevention: Cleaning silver jewellery can help remove tarnish, which is a blackish layer that forms on the surface of silver when it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. By cleaning the jewellery regularly, you can prevent tarnish from building up, which can help keep the jewellery looking shiny and new.
• Brightening: Cleaning silver jewellery can also help brighten it, by removing dirt and grime that can accumulate on the surface of the jewellery over time.
• Preservation: Regular cleaning can also help preserve the integrity of the jewellery. By removing any built up dirt and grime, it will help prevent damage to the metal and the stones.
• Aesthetics: Clean silver jewellery can enhance the overall look of the jewellery, making it more visually appealing.
• Cost-effective: Cleaning silver jewellery regularly can be a cost-effective way to maintain its beauty and value, as it can help prolong the life of the jewellery and prevent the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
• Hygiene: Regular cleaning of the jewellery can also help maintain hygiene, especially if the jewellery is worn frequently or is shared.

It is important to use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth when cleaning silver jewellery. Avoid using abrasive materials, such as baking soda or toothpaste, as these can scratch the surface of the silver. It is also important to dry the jewellery thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and tarnishing.

3. Keep Away from Chemicals

Keep silver jewellery away from chemicals, such as chlorine, hair spray, and perfumes, as these can cause discoloration and damage to the silver. There are a number of chemicals that can be harmful to silver jewellery, including:

1. Chlorine, which can cause discoloration and damage to the metal
2. Sulphur, which can cause tarnishing
3. Household cleaners and chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, which can damage the metal and cause discoloration
4. Perspiration, which can cause tarnishing over time
5. Cosmetics and perfumes, which can also cause discoloration and damage to the metal

It's best to avoid exposing silver jewellery to these chemicals, and to clean and store it properly to keep it in good condition.

4. Avoid wearing silver jewellery while swimming or doing other activities that may cause it to come into contact with water, as water can accelerate tarnishing.

5. When not wearing the jewellery, it is a good idea to keep it in airtight containers, or a jewellery bag that is made of tarnish-resistant material.

6. Get it polished regularly by a professional jeweller, to remove any tarnish and give it a shiny new look.

By following these tips, you can help keep your silver jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.