OL: “Soap and most hand sanitizers will be completely safe for both gold and silver jewelry as long as they do not contain abrasives! In terms of abrasives, we recommend staying away from soaps and sanitizers that have small, fibrous materials that are intended to exfoliate the skin.
To prevent your sterling silver from tarnishing, keep it away from harsh chemicals, keep it dry, store it correctly, and clean and polish when needed. Take it off when washing your hands or swimming, and keep it in a secure bag or box when you're not wearing it. You also want to take it off when exercising.
While 925 silver can touch water, we promise fast contact with hot water once or twice won't significantly harm the sparkle of your items; however, too much or prolonged exposure (like in a steamy shower) can eventually cause your silver pieces to appear dull and lifeless over time.
The short answer to this question is yes, you can (if you know it's sterling silver). Water generally does not damage sterling silver. *But* water does cause silver to oxidize (darken) more quickly, and what type of water and the chemicals in it has an impact on how much it will cause your silver change color.
Many pieces can be washed with soap and water or placed in a jewellery box with a soft cloth for protection. Sterling silver jewelry can absolutely be worn every day!
Sterling silver normally lasts 20 to 30 years if the owner cares well for it. However, your sterling silver can last forever if you care for it properly. Made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, sterling silver requires some special care. If you own any sterling silver jewelry, you should know how to care for it well.
You can even wear your sterling silver jewellery to bed. However, be cautious of getting your clasps or earrings caught while you sleep, as this could cause damage to your favourite pieces.
Pure silver is not susceptible to tarnish in a pure oxygen environment. However, the copper that is contained in 925 sterling silver may react to the ozone and hydrogen sulfide in the air and cause sterling silver to tarnish. Perfumes, hair sprays, and profuse sweating can also cause a quicker formation of tarnish.
So, is sterling silver waterproof? In some cases, too much exposure to water can cause your sterling silver pieces to oxidize. Though wearing it in the shower is usually fine, depending on the soap you use, you could risk damaging the jewelry.
In a controlled environment, it could take sterling silver a couple of years to tarnish. Or if the piece is constantly worn without applying preventative steps, it could take just a few months for the piece to begin to show signs of tarnish.
Our fashion jewellery ranges are made of alloy and then plated for colour. We advise you not to wear your fashion jewellery in water, when using cleaning products, lotions or perfumes. These chemicals can cause tarnishing. We also offer polishing cloths in store and online.
Yes it can, if you don't practice proper ring care and/or you have sensitive skin to the copper or nickel alloy. Will 925 sterling silver turn my silver green? If you practice good ring care and don't have sensitive skin or an allergy to copper or nickel alloy then the chances of a green finger are minimal.
Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it's not good. Sterling silver is a high-quality material that's both durable and beautiful to wear.
No. We highly recommend that you take off rings while washing dishes. Harsh chemicals and soaps can discolour the rings and damage the metal.
For instance, some hand sanitizers are made with bleach and chlorine that with excessive use, may start to tarnish certain precious metals, such as sterling silver. These chemicals can also cause any rhodium plating to wear off quicker.
Polishing silver once a year should be enough to keep it in good condition. But, if once a year doesn't satisfy your cleaning compulsion, an easy way to maintain the shine of your silver is to wash it with good old water. You can safely do this as often as 2–6 times in a year.
Magnet Test
This is truly an easy way for you to check if your silver jewelry is indeed authentic. Simply put a magnet near your silver accessory; if it sticks or gets attracted to the magnet then its fake. Genuine silver and other precious metals like gold are nonmagnetic.
925 on Silver Jewelry
Although copper is favored for delicate skin, zinc or nickel can also be used. You know you have a fine piece of silver when it has the 925 stamp. If your piece is on the smaller side, you might need a magnifying glass or a loupe to locate the stamp.
Rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver will have a “925” stamp somewhere. On rings, the stamp is usually on the inside band. Bracelets and necklaces will often have them on the clasp or on a seperate charm. However, anyone can stamp a piece of jewelry regardless of authenticity.
You should remove your sterling jewelry when swimming in saltwater as the saltwater harms sterling silver. The salt will start to corrode the jewelry and cause it to lose its luster. Fun fact: If swimming in the ocean, a shark can mistake your jewelry for shiny fish scales.
Some of the best options for your workout jewelry include stainless steel, sterling silver and solid gold. These quality jewelry materials can help you avoid any rusting, skin discomfort and skin discoloration.
Tarnish can appear as a yellow, brown, black or grey coating on the surface of your silver jewellery, which is sometimes quite patchy. Sterling silver tarnishes more easily than pure silver due to its copper content and this tarnish is likely to be more noticeable and darker in colour.
Can you shower with sterling jewellery? Showering with sterling silver jewellery won't necessarily harm the metal. However, silver is a natural metal and therefore reacts with certain things. The water can oxidise the silver, meaning it is likely to tarnish and will therefore start to darken.
Sterling silver IS hypoallergenic and is more than fine if you have particularly sensitive skin or ears.
Avoid moisture for prolonged periods of time.
Removing your silver jewelry before you shower, or wash dishes or jump into the pool can help prevent tarnishing. Chemical cleaners and chlorinated water can also damage the piece by causing corrosion.