Sterling silver earrings or studs are extremely dynamic pieces of jewelry that look really elegant when paired with everyday wear or dresses for special occasions. While you might buy yourself a dazzling pair of studs or earrings, it is important that you know how to ensure the upkeep of your jewelry pieces. Sterling silver jewelry is typically easy to maintain and clean. If you are looking for some pro tips to clean your earrings at home, look no further!
This quick guide will help you answer the following questions:
- What is the right way to clean sterling silver earrings?
- What should you use to clean your earrings at home?
- What are the safest cleaning agents that you can use?
- What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to buying, wearing, and maintaining silver jewelry?
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper. Typically, the ratio is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. You might come across jewelry stores or websites referring to it as 925 silver. Lustrous, strong, and flexible, sterling silver is an excellent choice when it comes to earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings since it can be molded into a variety of beautiful designs and shapes.
If you have bought (or are planning to buy) a pair of stud sterling silver earrings, here is everything you should know about their upkeep and maintenance.
How to clean sterling silver stud earrings
- Method 1
- Run your sterling silver stud earrings under warm water (or submerge them in a bowl of warm water).
- Once the top layer of dirt and gunk loosens up, you can use a soft brush to scrub it away.
- Take a separate bowl of clean, warm water, and submerge your earrings for a few minutes.
- Drying the earrings is the most important part – rub them dry with a clean, soft cloth (along the natural grain).
- Allow the earrings to dry naturally on a paper towel. Once they are completely dry, you can wear them or store them safely.
- Method 2
- Take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with a few drops of water to create a nice paste.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean the earrings with this paste – make sure you don’t scrub them too hard.
- You can use a toothbrush with soft bristles to reach the hard-to-access areas of the jewelry.
- Dry the studs using a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Method 3
- Submerge your earrings in soapy water (mix warm water with a mild detergent).
- Gently move the earrings around in this water and leave them for about 10 minutes.
- For stubborn gunk or stains, you can use an earbud or toothbrush for scrubbing.
- Rinse the earrings in clean water to get rid of the soapy residue.
- Use a lint-free cloth to dry the earrings.
- Method 4
- If your earrings are very delicate or studded with precious gemstones, it is best to take them to your local jewelry store for cleaning.
- The jeweler will charge a nominal fee to properly clean and polish your sterling silver ear studs.
- Going to the jeweler is a good option if you wish to restore the luster and sparkle of your silver jewelry.
Apart from the methods mentioned above, some experts also recommend using hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, baking soda and white vinegar, cornstarch and water, or lemon juice and olive oil for cleaning sterling silver earrings and studs.
Dos and don’ts to ensure your sterling silver earrings remain in mint condition
Here is a complete list of the things you should and shouldn’t do while handling, wearing, storing, or cleaning your sterling silver studs and earrings.
- Don’t expose your earrings to extreme heat or moisture – they happen to be the biggest foes of sterling silver.
- Don’t let your ear studs come in contact with sweat, rubber, household chemicals, or items that contain sulfur (including foods like eggs, onions, wool, etc.).
- Don’t keep your sterling silver jewelry in the bathroom (even if that seems like a convenient option). The humidity and moisture are bad for your earrings.
- Don’t wear your sterling silver jewelry while bathing, sunbathing, taking a dip in the pool, or washing the dishes. Chlorinated water might not be your earrings’ best friend.
- Don’t use paper towels to clean the jewelry pieces. Instead, invest in a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. And make sure you are gentle while cleaning the earrings.
- After cleaning your earrings (using any of the aforementioned techniques), make sure the jewelry is completely dry and that there is no residual moisture before you wear or store them.
- Keep a dedicated box or Ziplock bag for your sterling silver earrings. This will help ensure that they aren’t exposed to natural sunlight or moisture in the air.
- To keep your stud sterling silver earrings dry, keep a piece of chalk or a silica packet with them.
- Store your silver studs in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Clean your jewelry at home at least twice every year. In case you wear your earrings on a regular basis, it is best to clean them after every three months.
- Always use a bowl or mug to clean the earrings. Holding them under running water in the sink might seem like a convenient option, but you could risk losing them down the plumbing pipes!
Your skin’s natural oils provide a protective barrier against moisture, preventing the earrings from getting tarnished, but it is essential that you take good care of your sterling silver jewelry so that it lasts long. We hope we have answered your top questions related to the care, upkeep, and maintenance of sterling silver earrings and studs.
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