With the rise in popularity for sterling silver wedding rings, it is important to know how to care for them.
Sterling Silver is a soft metal and less durable than other metals. However, when certain precautions are taken, your silver wedding ring should maintain its good looks for years to come.
Avoid wearing your silver wedding ring while engaging in heavy activity that could expose your ring to extreme pressure or hard knocks or blows that could bend your ring. Silver rings should also be removed prior to using cleansers containing harsh chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine or bleach; both of which can discolor silver. Silver can also be damaged by salt water, so remember to remove your silver wedding ring prior to swimming in the ocean, collecting sea shells; actually any time you plan to be at beach.
Cleaning: Warm soapy water is all that is needed to clean your silver wedding band. Once cleaned, dry your ring with a soft polishing cloth. There are sources that tout toothpaste as being a safe cleaner for silver jewelry. However, toothpaste is an abrasive and should not be used as it could scratch your silver ring.
Tarnish is the inevitable effect when silver is exposed to two naturally-occurring elements in the air: sulfur and hydrogen sulfide. Storing silver wedding rings in tarnish-prevention cloths or bags will slow down the tarnishing process. And occasionally polishing your silver ring with a silver polishing cloth can erase most tarnish. Wearing a silver ring continuously is the best way to avoid most tarnish buildup because the gentle friction from your fingers will keep the ring bright; however doing so will not prevent tarnish in delicate designs or along the surface of larger rings. And there are several specially formulated tarnish removal products on the market designed for use on sterling silver jewelry for those tougher tarnish spots.
Patina: When silver jewelry is worn continually, it often develops a patina: a radiant look combined with darkened areas. If you like the look, which many people do, then just keep it as is. If you would prefer your silver ring to maintain a bright and shiny look, simply use a silver polish cloth to restore your ring to its original appearance.
Store your silver wedding ring separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching. And as mentioned above, storing your ring in a tarnish-prevention cloth or bag will slow the effects of tarnish.
A professional jeweler may be able to buff out most scratches and straighten your ring if it becomes bent. Consider bringing your silver wedding ring in for a once-a-year clean and buff appointment with a professional jeweler. This will help remove any scratches and will restore the shine of your silver ring.
