Silver combines a beautiful colour with a brilliant luster that makes it no coincidence that it sees so much use in rings, bracelets and other pieces of jewellery. Sterling silver is so old that its origins can be traced to the second millennium. In those times, it saw extensive use in coins and other valuable objects because its 7.5 percent in copper and other non-silver metals provides it with increased strength without sacrificing its pleasing appearance in the process. Those same characteristics make it as popular now as it was then, which is fortunate because they also make sterling silver jewelry so much easier to clean and maintain.
Here are some ways you can take care of your sterling silver jewellery:
1. Like a lot of metals, silver is susceptible to corrosion when it is exposed to air. When silver is corroded, its surface turns into silver sulfide, which is a brown-black patina called tarnish. Although sterling silver is more resistant than its pure counterpart, it can still accumulate tarnish when it is exposed to salts, sulfur and strong acids.
2. Sterling silver is stronger than pure silver, but it is still soft enough that it needs to be handled with care and consideration. For example, multiple pieces of sterling silver jewellery should not be stored in the same container because they can leave scratches on each other. Similarly, you want to keep them from coming into contact with potentially harmful chemicals such as cosmetics and household cleaners as it can create blemishes.
3. Polishing sterling silver jewelry preserves their brilliant luster. It can be polished using a soft, non-abrasive cloth that cannot scratch its surface. Special cloths for silver polishing can be purchased, but lint-free flannel and microfiber can also serve in a pinch. Make sure to polish your jewellery using long strokes that run parallel to its grain rather than rub it using small circles.
4. Commercial silver polish can be purchased. However, you should be careful with this because they can actually remove the protective coatings on your sterling silver jewelry, leaving it more susceptible to corrosion in the process. Some of these polishes are so strong that they can even pose a hazard in enclosed spaces and call for special disposal methods. If you are not confident with their use, you should probably consult a jeweller with the relevant skills, particularly if your sterling silver jewelry is old and valuable.
5. When you’re not using your sterling silver jewellery, you can store them in an airtight plastic bag to minimize air exposure. Just make sure that there is only one piece of jewellery stored in a bag at a time because the pieces case scratch each other otherwise.
Contact Pinto Cash For Gold and Jewellery Buyers to get cash for sterling silver with the best deals for your jewellery. We understand the market and know that your jewellery has sentimental value to you, so that’s why we offer the best rate. Visit us in person at our Midtown Toronto location, near Yonge, today to get the best deal on selling your unwanted jewellery.
