Silver is a naturally reactive, soft metal. What that means is that, as opposed to gold, which likes to just stay constant, silver likes to react with the things around it. Every time you expose it to air, water, perfume, or even the natural oils on your own finger, it begins an ongoing transformation.
That response, oxidation, is left to us and what we see as tarnish, a yellowish discoloring layer that strips the shine of the pendant and causes it to appear worn. Sometimes it’s an almost unnoticeable yellowish spark, sometimes blacker than your hat. That’s not so much the indication your pendant is ruined, but it is an indication that it requires a little TLC.
Maybe it’s a present from someone, one you purchased on a one-time holiday, or maybe just something that caught your attention while hanging around in the store window. Either way, silver jewelry isn’t something to drape over oneself, it’s intimate.
But if you knew silver’s big secret is that however beautiful it looks, it needs looking after. If you have found that your silver pendants is going gray or black-spotting, don’t panic, you’re not the only one. That is just the tarnish setting in, and the good news is there is a lot you can do to hold it off or even to reverse it.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
How and When to Wear Your Pendant
Wearing your pendant as the finishing touch in the morning after dressing up is one of the best things you can do. Once you have moisturized, applied your makeup, and sprayed perfume, then only should you wear your pendant.
This keeps it away from the types of chemicals and oils that adhere to silver and speed up tarnishing. Think of it as the cherry on top, last thing on always. When returning home, the silver pendants for women should likewise be one of the first items removed. The reason is straightforward: the longer it gets to be exposed to sweat, skin oils, and interior pollutants, the faster it starts losing its shine.
Avoid Wearing It During Sweaty or Wet Activities
Wearing your silver pendant with you throughout your day is not doing anything bad at all, or at least so it seems. Your everyday surroundings are causing more harm than you know. If you wear it at the gym, wash dishes, cook meals, or even walk in the rain with your pendant around your neck, it’s seeing it all.
And though sleeping in jewelry is as convenient as it gets, especially when you’re sleepy or absentminded, it’s better to make taking it off part of your bedtime routine. Sleeping with a chain on isn’t just cruel to the chain, it can rub against skin and clothing to create micro-scratches or bend.
Do a Gentle Cleaning with Soap and Water after a few wear
Soak for a few minutes and rinse with fingers or an old soft soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen any grime. Wash lightly and dry on microfiber or soft cotton cloth. The secret is subtle here, scrubbing heavily can leave residue, and rough drying agents such as paper towels or tissues will scratch the finish.
If your pendant looks dull following a plain wash, you can try a do-it-yourself solution that is effective: baking soda. This household product can be used to safely remove tarnish if done correctly. Add a few drops of water to it to make it a thick paste and rub it gently with your fingers or a soft cloth on the pendant.
Don’t leave it for long, and wash it well. Dry later, but never rub. Do it once in a month if needed, but don’t overdo it. Polishing too hard or too frequently will end up wearing down the silver, particularly if the pendant is extremely detailed or engraved.
There is also a bit of a more complicated trick that takes baking soda, hot water, salt, and aluminum foil. It is a science lab experiment, and it’s kind of one. You place a bowl, fill it with boiling water and the remaining ingredients, and soak your pendant for a few minutes.
What is actually occurring is a chemical reaction that moves the tarnish from your pendant to the foil. It’s more of an aesthetically enjoyable activity to see and works to get rid of heavy tarnish. But again, only try this if your pendant doesn’t have gemstones, enamel, or delicate detailing that could be affected by heat or soaking.
Store your silver pendant in the right way
One of the most overlooked aspects of silver care is storage. Even if you’ve cleaned your pendant and worn it carefully, throwing it into a drawer with other jewelry defeats the purpose. Silver needs to be preserved so that it is as chemically clean as can be from exposure to air and moisture. A small box lined with anti-tarnish cloth or a zip-lock pouch will do.
Even anti-tarnish strips designed for jewelry storage are available, which you just put in your jewelry case which will attract chemicals and moisture in the air, giving your jewelry an extra protection. And you have to keep each piece apart. Silver scratches very easily, and it creates unsightly marks to be removed if you rub against other pieces of metal jewelry, even gold. You’re probably the type of person who just puts everything in one place, so maybe it is time to break habits.
Go for professional cleaning if home remedy does not seem enough
If cleaning at home isn’t feasible or you don’t want to risk ruining it, have it professionally cleaned by a jeweler. Most local stores will do instant silver polishing for a few dollars, and the effect can be incredible. Your tarnished pendant can be rejuvenated to new. And if your pendant features a great deal of fine work or inlaid stones, this is clearly the superior option. Good silver care for the long haul is really a question of getting into good sense routines.
You do not have to baby your pendant or store it beyond reach. If you get into the habit of taking care of your pendants, you know, like taking care of your skin or brushing your hair, it no longer even becomes something that you have to do. Think about it like this: your silver chain is a little sweetheart who needs a little love in order to shine. Take good care of it, however, because not only will it still be lovely but it will also still keep and to hold the tales that you lived in it while you wore it.
