The sterling silver components and wire that I use in my jewelry will tarnish, and--unless you want that dark patina--you will want to polish your jewelry at some point.
I use a polishing cloth to polish vintage sterling silver charms, because I want to keep some of the patina that comes with age, and I suggest you do the same.
When I'm making a piece of jewelry, I dip the sterling silver chain, wire, and other components in a product called Empire's Instant Tarnish Remover to make them bright and shiny. I use this same product to polish finished jewelry IF--and this is very important--the beads or gemstones used in the piece are not porous.
Garnets, onyx, and jade, for example, can be dipped without harm.
Other materials, especially amber, coral, pearl, and shell should never be dipped--you will ruin them. Don't dip bakelite either.
Polish the silver parts of a piece of jewelry that has porous elements with a polishing cloth. Or, if you have the patience, you can very carefully clean only the silver parts with tarnish remover on a Q-tip.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions about caring for your jewelry: jeanne.sather@gmail.com
@ Jeanne Sather 2009.
I was just wondering about this very issue. Thanks for guidance. I love my bracelets and want to keep them looking great.
Posted by: Cheryl | 10/10/2009 at 07:10 AM
I was just wondering about this very issue. Thanks for guidance. I love my bracelets and want to keep them looking great.
Posted by: silver bracelet | 12/06/2009 at 10:07 PM