Who doesn’t love their silver jewelry? Whether it’s a wedding band, earrings, a necklace, or something else, silver jewelry holds a lot of sentimental value. Keeping it clean and in pristine condition holds that value, and the monetary value on top of it.
You don’t necessarily need to visit a professional to have your silver jewelry cleaned. Take a bowl and line the inside with aluminum foil, and place the jewelry inside. Pour just enough hot water in the bowl to submerge the silver pieces. Next, add one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking soda, and let the mixture sit for no more than 10 minutes. Do not wear rubber gloves during the cleaning process!
This chemical reaction converts the tarnished coating, known as silver sulfide, and aluminum into pure silver and aluminum sulfide. Isn’t science great? Rinse the jewelry well in cool water and pat it dry. Your jewelry should be as shiny and beautiful as the day you got it!
WARNING: Be careful when washing jewelry with precious or semi-precious stones. Certain stones are vulnerable to damage from abrasive substances.
You can also use this method for cleaning other silver coins or silverware.
Courtesy of Global Gold and Silver and Jewelry Making Journal
http://globalgoldandsilver.com/silver-jewelry-care
http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/clean-tarnished-silver-jewelry/