I've always loved the look of silver jewelry. It’s classic, versatile, and can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. But, like many others, I've struggled with keeping my silver pieces looking their best. I noticed some of my favorite necklaces and rings were changing color, becoming dull and dark. This led me on a journey to understand silver better – why it tarnishes, what types are available, and how to properly care for it.
One day, I noticed a beautiful silver pendant I hadn't worn in a while looked completely different. It had a dark, almost black coating on it. I was confused and a little disappointed. Why did this happen? I soon discovered that silver reacts to elements in the air and other substances it comes into contact with, leading to tarnishing.
I realized that some of my older pieces were much darker than the newer ones. I learned that the more a piece is worn (or exposed to air), the more likely it is to tarnish. The simple solution, I found, is regular polishing. But, there are other factors to consider too.
I was surprised to learn that not all silver is created equal. I discovered that sterling silver is a common type, usually marked with ".925". This means it's 92.5% pure silver, mixed with other metals (usually copper) to make it more durable. Pure silver is too soft to be used in jewelry on its own.
Then, I stumbled upon argentium silver. It's also .925 fine silver, but the alloys used make it more tarnish-resistant than regular sterling silver. This seemed like a great option for pieces I wear frequently.
I even noticed that some of my silver pieces had a different sheen than others. After some digging, I found out that many commercially sold silver items are rhodium plated. Rhodium is a silvery metal that's much more tarnish-resistant than silver. It acts as a protective layer, keeping the silver underneath shiny for longer. I suspect the pieces that haven't tarnished are likely rhodium plated.
I was browsing category on Blingcharming the other day, and saw some interesting pieces. It got me thinking about how different silver jewelry is made.
So, how do you keep silver looking its best? I've experimented with a few methods, and here's what I've found works:
I was also curious about plated silver. One piece, in particular, seemed different. It turns out, some silver jewelry is plated, meaning a thin layer of silver is applied over a base metal. This can affect how it tarnishes and how you should clean it. It's important to know what you're dealing with!
While browsing Blingcharming, I came across the SHIXIN Hiphop Iced Out Chain Necklace. I was initially drawn to the bold design, but I was also a bit hesitant because I knew it would require proper care to maintain its shine. I decided to give it a try anyway. After wearing it a few times, I've found that keeping it stored in a pouch when not in use and giving it a quick wipe with a polishing cloth after each wear helps prevent tarnish. It's a bit more work, but totally worth it for the look! I also noticed the quality is pretty good for the price.
Here are some things I've learned that help keep my silver jewelry looking its best: