All LiLa Design jewelry is made of Sterling silver (925), a natural property of which is the darkening of the surface over time. However, by using, storing, and cleaning them correctly, you can ensure that your silver jewelry retains its beautiful, bright surface for longer.
Why does silver jewelry darken?
The darkening of silver jewelry is caused by a layer of silver sulfide that accumulates on the surface of the piece, formed when oxygen reacts with hydrogen sulfide in the air. The pH value of the skin also affects the darkening of silver, which is why the same silver jewelry may darken at slightly different rates for different people. However, the darkening of silver can be slowed down, and darkened silver can be cleaned!
Silver darkens faster if you wear it in the shower, sauna, while doing dishes, or if you expose it to perfumes, chemicals, and skin lotions. Lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays, for example, can form a layer on the surface of your jewelry that prevents its sparkle. Your silver jewelry will stay beautiful for longer if you avoid the aforementioned.
Cleaning silver jewelry
For an effective and easy organic method, you only need a deep bowl, aluminum foil, coarse sea salt, and warm water.
- Line the bowl with foil and add warm water and sea salt.
- Place the silver jewelry at the bottom of the bowl. The proportions are not that precise; a thin layer of salt is sufficient.
- Let the jewelry soak in the water for about 5–10 minutes, then rinse the jewelry with warm water and dry it well.
If the jewelry is heavily tarnished, stronger silver cleaning agents are sold in jewelry stores that can make the pieces very shiny. Please note that these agents cannot be used if the jewelry contains natural stones or pearls. Silver polishing cloths also work well for larger surfaces, but they cannot clean small gaps.
So remember to use, store, and maintain your silver jewelry correctly so that they continue to delight you and complement your outfits for as long as possible!
