Sterling silver (925mm) is plated with copper alloy, and as a result has a much greater oxidation capacity (it turns black). The pH of skin is one of the factors that most affects silver; an acidic pH blackens easier than an alkaline one. Chemical products such as bleach, ammonia and acidic cleaning products in general create atmospheric or contact contamination which favours oxidation or oxidizes the piece directly. Because of this, the care applied to this metal must be more frequent and meticulous than for jewels made of other metals (once every 1 or 2 weeks).

Oxidation is only a very thin layer on the surface of our jewel, and depending on the finish, we will use one material or another to clean it. We begin with soap and water, and then rinse with plenty of water, dry using a cotton or linen cloth and finish with the hairdryer. Depending on the finish, we will use one material or another to clean these jewels as well as the initial grease-removing process.

We recommend you use specific chamois cloths to bring out the shine or gleam in pieces that have a polished finish; these cloths are impregnated with chemicals that eliminate that layer of oxidation and provide antioxidant protection.

For satin-finish jewels the easiest thing is a green scourer and the best idea is to submerge them in specific cleaning products. In this case the chamois cloths cannot penetrate the pores of the satin finish to eliminate the oxidation at the bottom of the pore.

Matt-finish pieces can be cleaned with a pencil rubber.

For reliefs or pieces with several different volumes, the best, easiest way of cleaning is to use immersion cleaning liquids, as they clean out even the nooks and crannies we cannot reach.

If we use these specific cleaning products we should never forget to follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer or seller. It is also advisable to consult the person who sold you the jewel regarding the most suitable cleaning method for the piece.

One of the most-used myths for cleaning silver is bicarbonate of soda. This is an anti-acid but it does not eliminate that layer of oxidation, and if we rub a polished piece with bicarbonate all we will achieve is to turn it into a satin-finish piece. The aim of cleaning is to restore the jewel’s initial lustre, but never to change its appearance.