Silver
Silver is a metal that has a wonderful glamor that makes it a common material used in the jewelry industry. Unfortunately, silver is also very fragile compared to many other metals. It can be quickly affected by external factors and is distorted by stains or scratches. Many may be afraid to clean them, so that it does not make it worse instead of cleaning it up.
Methods of cleaning silver
Saline solution
The saline solution is a gentle antiseptic that eliminates distortion without rubbing silver. If jewelry is made with precious stones, make sure it is not affected by salt water. This solution is nice for most stones, but if you want to clean very fine jewelry with expensive gemstones, it is best to take it to a specialist.
-
- Pour a little of hot water in a bowl, you’ll need just enough to cover the jewelry.
- Add a tablespoon of salt in hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Take a sheet of aluminum foil and mix a few strips, then place in a bowl.
- When you notice that the silver has recovered silver, remove it from the solution.
- The salt and aluminum mixture will interact with the silver surface distortion and replace it with a bright surface. Because the deformation is the reaction of silver with sulfur to silver sulphide, which is black. When silver sulfide is reacted with aluminum in brine, silver sulphide turns into silver as a reaction and saline solution. It is a convenient medium for the reaction, and it accelerates. You can use baking soda instead of salt, it will give the same results, and if the silver has been badly deformed, you will need to repeat the process twice or more, but make sure the solution is hot; this solution is cold.
- Rinse jewelry: Put the jewelry under cold water to rinse it out of salt, then dry it gently using a soft cloth.
Deep cleaning
When you have a large deformation, the saline solution and aluminum may not be enough to remove it. The wax is specially made for silver polishing, which is the safest option, especially if you are dealing with antique or intricate designs.
- Blend a soft cloth or sponge with a silver platter, then rub the jewelry in a straight line back and forth.
- Wash the jewelry with cold water, and dry well with a soft cloth.
Silver polishes can be replaced with toothpaste, but should be without bleach, and sponge should be moistened before rubbing the jewelry in the same way.