How to care for and clean silver dangle earrings to prevent tarnishing

What makes a person forget about time for a moment and lose themselves in dreams? For many, it is the graceful shimmer of silver in the sun, especially when it comes to their favorite earrings. Just imagine: you put on new dangling, slightly flirtatious, hanging jewelry, emphasizing your image with a light tropical mood – after all, these charming items came to you from the wonderful island of Bali. But the question arises: how to care for silver and clean silver dangle earrings to prevent them from tarnishing?

Many people value metallic silver for its special sensuality: a cold shade and at the same time a warm aura. At the same time, the owners of such jewelry often notice an unpleasant coating, changing the rich shine to a dark or yellowish tint. Sometimes a person buys earrings, for example, in January, and by spring his fashionable purchase loses its gloss. The thing is that tarnishing (oxidation) is a natural process.

Yes, sterling silver (aka 925 sample) can absorb the effects of sulfur and other environmental factors and change color. But this nuance is easy to solve: if you take care of the jewelry correctly, it will retain its beauty.

Why jewelry tarnishes

There are reasons for this:

• There are many gases in the air that cause tarnishing when in contact with them for a long time.
• Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and detergents can put earrings to the test: these aggressive substances have a penetrating effect on the coating and initiate oxidation.
• If you leave earrings on a shelf in the bathroom or in a damp room, the reaction will proceed faster. You should also not store silver items mixed with costume jewelry, as this increases the risk of mechanical damage and mixed chemical reactions.

It is paradoxical, but true: when you wear earrings often, natural skin oils remain on the surface of the metal, which to some extent protect the metal. Long periods of inactivity in an inappropriate place, on the contrary, bring plaque closer.

Simple prevention: how to maintain shine

“Prevention” in this context means comprehensive jewelry maintenance.

Choosing a dark and cool place

It is important to store earrings in a cabinet or box protected from moisture. Place each item in an individual bag or small box. Sometimes zip-lock bags are used, but the main thing here is to remove the air so as not to expose the metal to oxygen, and, accordingly, slow down the tarnishing.

You can also put a bag with a moisture absorbent (for example, silica gel) inside to keep the jewelry dry. It is best when the place is cool and dark.

Avoid aggressive environments

Avoid direct exposure to salty sea water, chlorinated pools, household detergents and chemicals, as well as contact with hair dyes and strong perfumes. It is better to remove earrings before taking a shower. Each time this prolongs their “life” a little.

Follow the rule: put on earrings after completing all procedures with cosmetics, varnish or cream. And take them off when returning home. This reduces the risk that drops of perfume or styling product will get on the silver surface.

Cleaning: step-by-step methods

Even if you take all the precautions, plaque still may appear. Here we will talk about the most gentle way to clean. The main thing is to do everything gently, carefully and use soft equipment so as not to damage or scratch your silver earrings or other items.

Basic cleaning method

Earrings should be soaked in warm water. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of soap. It is better to take a liquid, soft (gentle) option without a strong smell. If desired, you can add a little baking soda to enhance the effect. Soda helps to break down dirt.

Leave the earrings in the water for 5-10 minutes. This is enough for the layer of dirt and light plaque to soften. Then take a soft cotton pad or a brush with delicate bristles and wipe the surface. Rub very carefully: it is better to avoid strong movements so as not to damage the metal or inserts (if any).

Then rinse in clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth or a special lint-free cloth. Wipe in a circular motion to keep the coating smooth.

After such a procedure, the result is often already visible: your dangle masterpiece will probably return to its original shine.

If plaque is too noticeable: deeper cleaning

Sometimes earrings have been neglected for a long time and a thick layer has formed on them. In this case, you may need a different level of cleaning. Here, professional wipes, special pastes or jewelry polish come to the rescue. But there are also home life hacks:

• Silver and foil. A few spoons of soda and salt, boiling water and a piece of aluminum foil create a chemical reaction that attracts the dark film. But with earrings that have inserts of pearls, opals or other delicate minerals, you need to be more careful: hot water can harm them.
• Vinegar and soda. A similar mixture also helps to dissolve deposits, but for a thin filigree chain or earrings with inserts, you should use this method with caution.
• Special liquids for polishing silver: a gentle and proven product. Make sure that it does not contain aggressive additives.
• Paste based on lemon juice and olive oil. Exotic, but works delicately.

If you don’t have time to experiment, it’s easier to go to a jewelry workshop, where they will professionally polish and return your jewelry to its original appearance.

There is an interesting detail: not everyone knows that keeping earrings in a box for months is not always good. The fact is that regularly wearing silver helps to maintain its shine: contact with the skin creates a natural protective film. Of course, you can’t neglect caution: if you apply lotion or hairspray, it is better to temporarily remove the earrings. But, in general, “walking” jewelry in the fresh air slows down tarnishing.

And here’s another little trick! Sometimes people add a piece of chalk or a bag of charcoal to the box where silver earrings are kept. Why? Both chalk and charcoal absorb moisture well and partially neutralize sulfur in the air. In this way, you create a safer environment for jewelry.

Take note of our advice – a little warm water, a little gentle cleaning, a drop of attention and the earrings will shine again, reminding you of sunny Bali. After all, preventing tarnishing is easier than it seems. 

If you’re looking to refresh your jewelry collection or add timeless silver pieces that stay radiant longer, be sure to check out islandsoul.us — a silver jewelry store in Miami offering stylish, high-quality pieces for every occasion!