How to Care for and Store Handmade Silver Jewelry

Handmade silver jewelry is a precious gift, beautiful belongings that can last a lifetime with proper care. Handcrafted items often require special care because of their very nature, and handmade silver jewelry is no exception. Caring for silver jewelry is not at all difficult, though. With just a little attention to detail, you can extend the life of your silver bracelets, silver chains, silver pendants and other silver jewelry and keep all of your silver accessories looking beautiful.

Don’t Swim in Your Silver

Both chlorine and salt water are damaging to silver, so always remove your silver jewelry before taking a dip. Likewise, don’t wear your silver rings when washing dishes, and take off your silver earrings and silver chains before stepping into the shower to avoid corrosion and discoloration.

Inspect Your Handmade Silver Jewelry Regularly

Whenever you take your jewelry off, do a quick inspection to make sure that the rings attaching the silver chains to the clasp and that the settings are still holding the stones securely. It only takes a few seconds, and it can help you spot problems that need repair before the clasp breaks or a stone falls out of its setting.

Wear Your Silver Jewelry Often

The best thing you can do for silver jewelry is to wear it. The constant exposure to the air and the warmth of your skin give silver its characteristic glow and help prevent tarnish that develops when the metal is stored for a long time.

Store Your Silver Jewelry in Tarnish-Proof Bags

You can purchase special cloths, bags and little pads of fabric or paper impregnated with chemicals that help prevent tarnish. They’re a very affordable way to keep your silver earrings, silver rings and other silver looking new even if it’s stored away for months at a time.

Prevent Damage to the Metal

Silver is a soft metal and easily scratched by gemstones and other metals. Take advantage of special storage solutions that protect silvery jewelry from damage in your jewelry box. Small pieces, such as silver pendants and silver rings, can be stored in small fabric bags or wrapped in cloth before putting them into a jewelry box. Wrap chains around paper before putting them away to avoid tangling them or hang them from a jewelry peg.

Your handmade silver jewelry is unique and beautiful. Keep it gorgeous and prolong its life by taking good care of it, and you’ll be able to wear it for a lifetime.