How To Maintain Your Sterling Silver Wire Jewelry

Cleaning and caring for sterling silver wire jewelry is simple to do if you follow a few basic steps.  With a little care and maintenance, your silver jewelry should always shine. *

When you purchase silver jewelry, the first thing to remember is that silver is a soft metal.  Even a heavy silver ring will bend if enough force is added to it–which means, you should take off your ring before lifting anything heavy. *

Another thing to bear in mind is how you store your wire jewelry when it is not being worn.  Silver should never be stored with other metals or loose in a jewelry box.  You should keep your silver in a small zippered plastic bag by itself.  Not only will this keep other jewelry from rubbing the silver (possibly causing scratches), it will protect it from the air, which causes quick tarnishing. *

Tarnishing is caused by oxidization and moisture in the air.  It first appears as a golden hue on the silver, but quickly turns black.  *

Never leave silver jewelry lying against bare wood.  Wood, especially oak, contains an acid that will mar the surface of the silver.  Paper and cardboard, since they are wood pulp products, will have the same effect, so avoid storing silver in envelopes or small cardboard boxes also. *

All jewelry and specifically you custom sterling silver wire jewelry should always be cleaned with a soft cotton or flannel cloth.  Synthetic materials can cause scratching.  You can also purchase a silver cleaning cloth, which has anti-tarnish ingredients, and keep it inside your jewelry box for quick cleaning.  You can also use a child’s toothbrush to get into intricate scrollwork or patterns. *

For quick cleaning of silver, such as removing makeup or light dirt, use a small amount of liquid detergent or soap to about a half cup of warm water.  Using your cloth, wipe the solution the jewelry, rinse under clean warm water and dry thoroughly.  If using the toothbrush, scrub gently with the solution and rinse. *

To remove tarnish or heavier dirt buildup, you will need to use special silver cleaner.  Silver cleaners come in both a paste and a liquid form.  Liquids are also known as silver dips. *

To use a paste, the best method is to scoop a small amount on your cloth or brush and gently work it in to the crevices of the scrollwork or pattern.  Work in a straight line motion, as all cleansers include some form of abrasive and a circular motion may cause severe scratching.  Allow the paste to dry then use another clean cloth to wipe the excess away.  You can also rinse the piece under warm water and dry thoroughly. *

A liquid, or silver dip, works by dipping the jewelry into the solution, rinsing and wiping the piece dry.  The easiest way to use a dip is to pour a small amount into a coffee cup or shot glass and dip your silver into the liquid.  The results are almost instantaneous.  This is the best method for cleaning the intricate details in most of custom designed wire jewelry. *

If your piece includes gemstones of any kind, cleaning requires much more care.  Both forms of cleansers can dull the polished finish off the gemstone.  Silver dips are almost out of the question for a piece that includes stones that are porous in nature, such as Lapis or Turquoise, as the stones will break down from the absorption of the chemicals. *

The best solution is a paste, using caution not to touch the stones.  Work in small areas until the piece is tarnish free.  Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. *

As you clean your silver jewelry, remember that small amounts of tarnish will give the piece an antique look.  The more you wear your jewelry, the less you will have to clean it.  With proper care and storage, your silver jewelry will bring you many years of wear and enjoyment. *

If you purchased your jewelry from Wire Works Custom Jewelry, we will clean and check you gemstone mounting once a year Free of charge.  Just mail your item back to us and we will return it within 2 weeks. *

Tend to Your Gemstones

Tend to Your Gemstones

Take a few steps to help your gemstones maintain their color and clarity.
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Store your gemstones: Jewels need space to remain free of chips. Store gemstones individually in soft cloth pouches and prevent jewels from bumping against one another.
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Clean your gemstones regularly: Dust, skin oil and other unclean substances can cause your gemstones to lose their sparkle. Clean them from time to time in soap and water. Then let them air dry and polish them with a soft cloth.
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Remove dirt from gemstones: Occasional brushing with a worn, soft-bristled toothbrush can help remove dirt from between crevices. For more resistant blemishes, use a weak solution of ammonia and water (about one part to four parts) and a soft brush. *

Respect metal jewelry settings: Treat metal settings gently. Gold can scratch. Although four-prong, six-prong, and low-profile channel or bezel settings offer your gemstone more protection than other settings, you should ask your jeweler to make sure your gemstones sit tight in their settings to help prevent stones from falling out.
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Know when to have a pro clean your gemstones: Annual checkups with a jeweler help keep your gemstones clean and properly situated in their settings. A jeweler can clean gems with steam or ultrasound, though ultrasound can make internal fissures or flaws worse.
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If you purchased your jewelry from Wire Works Custom Jewelry, we will clean and check you gemstone mounting once a year Free of charge. Just mail your item back to us and we will return it within 2 weeks.