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To take care of your sterling silver jewelry without breaking the bank or damaging your authentic Native American Indian jewelry, try these home remedies. Be sure NEVER to soak or submerge any jewelry containing stones in any type of liquid.
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Aluminum Foil and Salt
Tarnish is the result of oxidization, a chemical reaction that happens naturally between sterling silver and air. You may remove tarnish from your sterling silver jewelry by using a reverse oxidation process.
- Line a sink or bowl with aluminum foil.
- Fill the sink or bowl half-full with boiling water.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt and your jewelry.
- Allow jewelry to soak for about five minutes.
- Rinse jewelry with cold water and place on an absorbent cloth to dry.
If you only need to clean small sterling silver jewelry pieces like rings or earrings, you may use strips of aluminum foil in a jar and only one tablespoon of salt.
Heavily tarnished jewelry may need to go through this treatment a few times to completely remove the oxidation.
Ammonia and Dishwashing Liquid
Other common household cleaners can be used to care for your sterling silver jewelry as well.
- Fill a sink or other container with ½ cup warm water and ½ cup clear ammonia.
- Add one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and your jewelry.
- Allow jewelry to soak for about five minutes.
- Rinse jewelry thoroughly and place on an absorbent cloth to dry.
*IMPORTANT: Do not use this solution if your jewelry has coral stones.
If using this at-home sterling silver care method, make sure to clean your jewelry in a well-ventilated area. Ammonia fumes can be dangerous.
Cautions for At-Home Care of Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
To care for your sterling silver jewelry without damaging the metal or stones, avoid any cleaning method that requires rubbing or using a toothbrush. Toothbrush bristles, and even the fine particles in baking soda can scratch sterling silver. These polishing techniques may also leave sediment in fine grooves or stone settings, which may cause stones to loosen over time.
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