No matter what metal your jewelry contains, proper care is extremely important to getting a lifetime of use out of your favorite pieces. Silver jewelry should always be kept in a cloth pouch or a jewelry box or container made specifically for keeping silver in order to avoid tarnishing, scratching and denting. Never wear your jewelry during cleaning and avoid exposing your silver to any cleaning agents and household chemicals. Always be sure to remove your jewelry before cleaning activities and swimming, as chlorine can damage silver. Tarnish commonly occurs on silver jewelry. This is a natural reaction that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. To help keep this from happening, use polishes that are specifically designed for removing tarnish. It is best to try this as soon as the tarnishing first becomes visible. Polish can often be found in local hardware stores, craft stores or jewelry stores. The best way to keep silver pieces from tarnish build up is to wear them often. Also, anti-tarnish strips can be purchased and placed in the proper container with your jewelry item to help keep it from tarnishing. It is recommended to keep pieces in their own, individual sealed plastic baggies with a strip placed inside.

Overall, all jewelry should be cared for and stored properly. Try to keep pieces apart so that they do not tangle or rub together. Other chemicals to be aware of aside from the common cleaners are: nail polish removers, perfume and hair spray. Try putting your jewelry on as the last step to your dressing process. Gold pieces can be washed in gently in warm, sudsy water, rinsed well and patted dry with a soft, non-scratching cloth. A jewelry polishing cloth can be used to gently polish your jewelry and keep it bright and sparkling. Treat all of your jewelry pieces with care and they will last you a lifetime and continue to bring you joy each time you put them on!