CARING FOR SILVER JEWELRY

 Wash silver with soap and water as the crevices accumulate dirt. With a soft worn toothbrush, apply dampened baking soda or a mixture of natural soap (Palmolive) with a bit of sudsy ammonia or borax. For flat surfaces a silver cloth can be used to rub. Over time oxidation can occur in silver jewelry, especially with sulfur and oxygen, causing the silver to tarnish. Wearing and handling slows the oxidation process and keeps your silver polished, shiny and beautiful. Eventually a patina develops. Avoid exposure to perfume, deodorants, hairspray, salt water, chemicals or abrasive substances. Minimize tarnish and scratches by storing your jewelry in individual small plastic bags and separate compartments in your jewelry box. Invest in a jewelry box lined with 'tarnish-free' material to keep silver bright and sparkling. Place anti-tarnish paper strips or silica gel packets inside your jewelry box. Cut the strips into small pieces and place one in each small plastic bag with your jewelry. You'll find these strips at a craft or hardware store.
A safe way to clean silver jewelry is with a polishing cloth treated with cleaning chemicals. Not only will it last a long time, but it creates an amazing shine every time. Polish jewelry after wearing, and before you place it in its plastic bag. This removes oils, fingerprints and dust keeping jewelry in pristine condition. Silver polishing cloths are available from Arte Fact Jewels ($5 each), at major supermarkets, at hardware and at jewelry stores.
PLEASE DON'T:

• dip silver jewelry in 'dip' or commercial cleaning solutions even though it may say that it is for silver jewelry. Dip cleaners work the first few times, but after that the jewelry may turn in color and never look the same. The gemstones in your silver jewelry may be damaged from the dip solution.
• wear silver jewelry in a mineral spa or chlorinated pool - your jewelry will turn very black.
• clean your jewelry with toothpaste and a toothbrush as this will scratch the silver.
• use rubber bands near your silver as they contain sulfur which can permeate the box and affect the silver contents.
• keep it tucked away just for special occasions! Enjoy wearing your jewelry.

DO visit a jeweler once a year to have it polished and check the settings for your gemstones - a wise investment.
If you take care of your silver jewelry now, it can last a lifetime and be passed along as heirloom jewelry for future generations.
From:  http://beautifulsilverjewelry.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-to-care-for-your-silver-jewelry.html