Sterling silver is a metal alloy that consists of at least 92.5% silver and up to 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Silver in itself is a soft metal and the additional metal alloy in sterling silver provides strength and durability. If you maintain it correctly, it can last a lifetime. But because sterling silver stains over time, proper maintenance is necessary. Sterling silver should never be worn in swimming pools because the chlorine and other chemicals will accelerate the development of dark stains. The minerals in lakes, seas and even the water in the shower can likewise cause stains. Furthermore, many kinds of skin care products like creams and oils as well as perfumes can affect the appearance of silver.
There are many different silver polishing products on the market, but the cheaper brands are usually fine and can be purchased in normal supermarkets. Never use any kind of brush to remove stains from silver jewelry, as this can cause scratch marks and scrape marks. A polishing cloth for silver and a little patience is all that is needed.
For more info about Silver jewellery maintenance please see below this page.
311325
Wooden brass brush, typically used for silver soldering and casting to clean silver items after an acid bath. Scratch/brush the item under running water to get rid of the "boil skin", i.e. the surface that occurs after an acid bath. The brush measures 14.5 cm in full length, the bristles measure 16mm in length, brush head measures 4x1.5cm
EUR 12,63
31132C
Pre-impregnated anti-discolouration paper is used to attach to silver parts (stored in bag) as well as gold plated silver parts to prevent tarnishing, each measuring 3x3 cm. 20 pcs.
EUR 2,45
31141-6ml
5 ml. bottle with brush. Milky white lacquer that dries to an invisible finish, water-based surface lacquer that enhances all surface coatings and protects against any allergens from the metal. The lacquer is brushed onto exposed areas of gold-plated or silver-plated jewellery parts. Lasts approximately 3-6 months with normal use, after which it is recommended to repeat the application. You can apply several coats afterwards for extra strength. The varnish also prevents oxidation and other discolouration of silver and other metals.
Teknos Clear Aqua Lacquer
is a high-quality, water-based product for protecting a wide range of surfaces. Apply the varnish with a brush on a cleaned surface, place the item on a hard surface, not paper, as it will stick. The varnish dries in 1-2 hours in a well-ventilated location.
Contents 5ml. causes eye irritation on contact (rinse with water), keep out of reach of children, non-flammable.
EUR 6,31
31142-100g
100 g silver velding pasta. Kan be used with silver, gold and copper alloy. Work temperature 720 degree Celsius. Can be mixed with water.
EUR 28,22
31132B
Small polishing cloth from Haggertys for silver, gold and platinum jewelry, 8x8cm. The cloth contains dry silver cleaning medium and can be used directly on silver.
EUR 1,55
1234567D
By purchasing this product you'll be able to get up to 20 small silver pieces oxidised. If you desire to have more parts oxidised, purchase the corresponding 'units' of oxidation. We reserve the right to deny some wishes of oxidation, as we have experienced that some parts are not suited for it, such as larger items. Please write in the note field which pieces you want oxidised during check out. Note that oxidised items cannot be returned or swapped.
EUR 3,22
31132
Quality polishing cloth from Hagerty for silver, 25x30cm. The cloth contains dry silver cleaning medium and can be used directly on silver.
EUR 9,66
925 sterling silver is an alloy of silver, which is a mixture of silver and other metals. The number 925 indicates that the material consists of at least 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Silver is mixed with other metals to make it harder, as silver itself is a very soft material that in its pure form is not suitable for jewelry. It would too easily lose its shape and get marks and scratches. Therefore, you can think of 925 sterling silver as a quality mark that indicates both a high silver content and durability.
Although 925 sterling silver is a durable material, you can extend the life of your jewelry even further with simple precautions. Because silver tarnishes over time, it is very important to care for it properly. There are many different brands of silver cleaner for jewelry. Usually the cheap brands are excellent and have the added advantage of being available in regular supermarkets. Never use any kind of brushes to remove tarnish from silver jewelry as they can cause scratches and scuffs. A silver polishing cloth and a little patience is all you need.
Many jewelry pieces are made of gold-plated sterling silver, which is silver with a thin gold coating. Because the gold plating is very thin, it is usually measured in Microns (μ), 1μ is 1/1000 mm. At Smyks, gold-plated silver parts are gold-plated with 1 - 1.5μ of 18 karat gold as standard, which provides a reasonably good durability. Gold-plated jewellery parts, like silver jewellery parts, silver cutlery, etc. can oxidize (get black and dark red spots), as gold plating in its basic form is porous on the surface and air can therefore penetrate. To prevent oxidation, you can coat/varnish the jewelry before use, which significantly extends its lifespan. However, once the damage is done, you can easily clean the jewelry with liquid silver cleaner, which removes the discoloration in seconds and usually makes the jewelry as good as new. If, on the other hand, there is direct wear and tear where the gold has worn off, you may want to consider having it gold-plated to make it as good as new. Note that it is not recommended to use silver polishing cloth on gold-plated jewelry as this can cause wear and tear.
You should never wear your sterling silver jewelry in the swimming pool, as chlorine and other chemicals accelerate the dark stains (oxidation) that can occur on silver jewelry. What may be more surprising to many is that your jewelry can also tarnish from lake, ocean and even bath water. This has to do with the mineral composition of the water, which can cause unwanted tarnish on silver.
You also need to be careful with the creams and oils you use on your skin. They can affect the appearance of silver jewelry, as can products such as hairspray and perfume. Therefore, wait until you have finished your daily morning routine before putting on your jewelry.
When it comes to storing silver jewelry, avoid contact with wood. The natural oils and vapors of wood can cause silver to darken. Additionally, you should not store it in contact with other untreated metals or rubber. An easy tip to keep silver tarnish-free for longer is to place a small piece of chalk with your silver jewelry to absorb impurities in the air.
It's also important to mention that sulphur is one of the worst enemies of sterling silver. Sulphur can be found everywhere, including in natural gas and even in sweat secreted from the skin. When sulphur comes into contact with the surface of silver, silver sulphide is created through a process known as oxidation. Silver sulphide is the black substance that appears as tarnish on silver jewelry. Sulfur is transported through the air, which is why you can protect your jewelry by storing it in an airtight container.
However, in many cases, this darkening process is also used deliberately for decorative purposes, for example to achieve an antique look. Please note that a special environmental permit is required to purchase oxidizing liquid. Alternatively, you can have Smyks oxidize your silver parts for an additional fee. Contact us for the options.
Often the darkening process (oxidation) is very welcome as a decorative element. It is used consciously to give silver an antique or pitch black look. At Smyks.com we can oxidize purchased silver items before shipping, please contact us.
