Silver jewelry pleases the eye with its noble shine. But, alas, over time scratches appear on them. And this is especially true for rings, bracelets and pendants that we wear every day. The good news is that it is possible to remove them. We will tell you how to remove scratches from silver jewelry using several proven methods.
Why does silver get scratched?
The thing is that silver is a soft metal. And even alloys (925 sterling silver), it remains susceptible to mechanical damage. Small scratches appear from contact with clothes, bags or other jewelry. And deep damage most often occurs from impacts or falls.
But don’t be upset! There are several ways to restore the original shine to silver items.
How to remove scratches at home
If the damage is minor, you can try dealing with it yourself. Simple ingredients, that every household contains, will be a good fit for that job.
Toothpaste and cloth
One of the easiest ways to deal with small scratches on silver jewelry is polishing with toothpaste without gel or abrasive particles. To do this, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the surface and gently wipe the damaged area with a clean cloth, moving in a circular motion. Then the remaining toothpaste must be thoroughly washed off with warm water, and the metal must be dried with a dry cloth to avoid streaks.
This method is great for removing light scratches and restoring natural shine.
Baking soda and water
A paste made from baking soda is also quite effective in removing surface damage.
Instructions:
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Mix a little baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
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Take a soft cloth or cotton pad and apply the paste.
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Rub with light movements, trying not to press too hard.
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Rinse off the remaining paste and wipe the jewelry dry.
This method is suitable for removing tarnish and minor damage. But it should not be used often, so as not to erase the top layer of silver.
Vinegar and baking soda
If the jewelry has also darkened, you can use the vinegar and baking soda method. To do it, take a small container, put the jewelry in it and lightly sprinkle it with 1-2 teaspoons of soda. Then add an equal amount of water and vinegar to start a chemical reaction.
After a few minutes, when the plaque begins to dissolve, you need to carefully wipe the jewelry with a clean cloth, then rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
This method not only effectively removes darkening, but also helps make small scratches less noticeable.
Professional methods
Home remedies do not work if the damage is too deep. In this case, it is better to use specialized products:
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Polishing wipes and pastes are impregnated with compounds that help remove scruffs and restore the shine to the metal. You can also use a professional polishing paste, which is applied to a soft cloth and rubbed into metal.
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For significant scratches, a polishing wheel is used, which removes the top layer of metal, making the surface smooth again.
But if the jewelry has a complex relief or expensive inserts, it is better to give it to a master craftsman. The jeweler uses special polishing, dry cleaning and mechanical processing to completely remove the damage.
How to prevent silver from scratching
To keep your silver jewelry beautiful and avoid frequent polishing, pay attention to proper care. It is best to store them separately in bags or boxes to avoid friction with other pieces. It is recommended to take them off before going to bed, playing sports or doing household chores, as active movement and contact with hard surfaces can damage the metal. You should also avoid exposure to chemicals that can cause tarnishing or leave marks.
If you are looking for new stylish jewelry or want to replace old pieces, take a look at our Island Soul catalog, There, you will find exquisite rings, bracelets, pendants and other silver jewelry that will retain their shine for many years.