Caring for your jewelry

How to care for your silver and gold jewelry: tips and advice

Silver and gold jewelry are precious treasures that deserve to be pampered to maintain their shine over time. Whether for a special occasion or for everyday use, regular maintenance is essential to preserve their beauty. Here are some simple tips to maintain your silver and gold jewelry.

Why does money turn black?

Silver, unlike gold, tends to tarnish over time due to its contact with elements present in the air, such as sulfur. This chemical reaction creates a black layer on your jewelry, called silver sulfide. This phenomenon is completely normal and is not a sign of poor quality of the metal, it is easy to restore the shine to your silver jewelry with the right techniques.

Some precautions to prevent silver tarnishing

1. Proper storage: Store your silver jewelry in a dry place, away from air and moisture. Ideally, store them in fabric pouches or velvet-lined jewelry boxes. You can also use anti-tarnish bags specially designed to absorb moisture and slow down the oxidation process.
2. Avoid contact with chemicals: Silver is sensitive to many chemicals such as perfume, chlorine, and household products. Before applying perfume, hairspray, or cream, remove your jewelry. Also, remember to remove it before swimming in a pool or the sea.
3. Wear it regularly: It may seem counterintuitive, but wearing your silver jewelry regularly can actually help prevent tarnish. Rubbing it against your skin prevents silver sulfide from forming. However, don't forget to clean it regularly.

Caring for silver jewelry

1. Soap and water: For basic maintenance, washing with warm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush will suffice. Dry thoroughly after rinsing.
2. Polishing cloth: Use a special cloth to polish silver regularly. It will remove light traces of tarnish while restoring shine.

Caring for gold jewelry

Unlike silver, gold does not tarnish, but it can lose its shine due to dust, cosmetics or simply daily wear and tear. Here are some tips for caring for your gold jewelry:

1. Regular cleaning: Wash your gold jewelry with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to remove impurities. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Avoid shocks: Gold is a soft metal. To avoid scratches, remove your jewelry before doing crafts or sports.
3. Occasional Polishing: If your gold jewelry starts to lose its shine, you can have it professionally polished to restore its original shine.

Patinated silver: a deliberate style

It is important to note that some silver jewelry is intentionally oxidized to create a unique aesthetic effect. This technique highlights details and reliefs by creating a contrast between the dark parts and the shiny parts. If you have jewelry of this type, it is recommended not to clean it too aggressively to preserve this desired effect.

Alternatively, letting your silver jewelry age and develop a natural patina can be a deliberate choice. Over time, silver develops a unique patina that tells the story of the jewelry and its wearer. This process adds character and authenticity to your pieces, making them even more special.

To conclude

Maintaining your silver and gold jewelry doesn't take much time, but these little touches will help you maintain their shine and beauty. Whether you choose to preserve their shine or let the silver develop a patina, take care of them, and they will be with you for a long time!