Classic silver pieces are must-haves in your jewelry collection. But real silver tarnishes quickly. Storing your silver in individual plastic zip-lock pouches will keep them bright for a long time. But if you prefer to display your silver bracelets, earrings, and necklaces you’ll need to keep the tarnish in check.
KEEP A POLISHING CLOTH NEARBY
You can keep your silver looking smart by polishing it after every wearing with a microfiber polishing cloth. A Polishing Cloth removes dirt and oils that contribute to tarnish and returns luster to your silver, brass, and gold jewelry. Store it near your jewelry, and you’ll be able to work out light tarnish on an as-needed basis. Polish your jewelry after each wearing and it will help you stay on top of it. They run about $2.50 per cloth. I like the 'sunhine polishing cloth'.
PROFESSIONAL-GRADE POLISHING WAX WILL KEEP SILVER BRIGHT
Renaissance Wax, a high-quality, professional-grade polishing wax, works just as well on silver and gold as it does on brass. Use it to clean away the spots and to coat your silver with a thin layer of wax that discourages tarnish. Museums and other institutions use it to clean and preserve fine articles around the world. I love it for keeping silver bright and beautiful.
A jar, which costs about $16.00, will last for years.
Brass is one of my favorites. Its deep, yellow warmth is versatile and it has a satisfying heft that adds a sophisticated accent to almost any outfit. As brass ages, however, it will tarnish. The good news is that you can always return brass to a high shine.
Purchase a polishing cloth
A microfiber cloth, such as the Sunshine Polishing Cloth, removes dirt and oils that contribute to tarnish and makes your brass pieces shine again. Keep your polishing cloth close to the place where you store your jewelry and wipe down your brass after each wearing. At about $2.50 per cloth, it’s a small investment.
Try a more affordable brass cleaner
Can’t justify the pricey stuff? There’s a less expensive alternative. Drop by your local hardware store and ask for a brass cleaner.
Though not specifically a jewelry cleaner, it will clean your earrings as well as it does candlesticks or cabinet hardware.
Follow the safety precautions on the label and use only on the portions of your jewelry that are not in continuous contact with your skin. Avoid using on ear posts, the inner surface of a ring or bracelet, necklace chains, and the like. If you have sensitive skin, use one of the other cleaning methods.
A bottle typically runs about $6.00.
Invest in a high-quality wax polish
For stubborn bits of tarnish, I like Renaissance Wax. This professional-grade polishing wax cleans away the spots and leaves a thin protective coating behind that prevents the formation of tarnish. Museums and other institutions use it to clean and preserve fine articles around the world. It will work beautifully for your jewelry, too.
One little jar, which runs about $16.00, will last for years.
DIY your brass care
Materials that you already have at home can shine your brass jewelry, too.
Here are my favorite natural cleaning methods:
1. Scrub your brass jewelry with warm soapy water and a toothbrush to remove dirt and oils. Dry with a soft towel and buff with a microfiber polishing cloth.
2. If there's still tarnish, coat brass pieces with thin layer of a tomato-based product, such as ketchup or tomato sauce. (The acid in tomatoes helps loosen tarnish.) Allow it to sit for at least an hour. Clean with hot, soapy water.
3. Grab a lemon, cut it in half, and sprinkle salt over the cut surface. Rub the salted surface directly on the jewelry. Re-salt the lemon and repeat as necessary. When the tarnish has lifted, buff with a soft dry cloth.
All wood pieces in our collection are hand-carved. Treat each piece like a little sculpture. Store it in a dry, safe place and make sure it’s not kept in a jumble with other pieces that could damage any delicate edges.
To care for your wooden jewelry, condition the wood periodically by rubbing a bit of olive or coconut oil into the wood to keep it from drying or cracking.
Mother of pearl is one of the most enchanting materials we use. All pieces are hand-carved miniature sculptures, so keep them in a dedicated place that’s dry and safe.
Mother of pearl is a natural material that can collect fingerprints, dirt, and grime. Wipe it away periodically with a microfiber polishing cloth. If you find more stubborn spots on the fragile surface, try cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush.