If you want a silver chain to change color back to silver, you need to keep some important things in mind. First of all, you need to keep it away from sunlight. You also need to make sure that it's not exposed to water. In addition, it should be kept away from cosmetic products, perfume, and other skin care products. Secondly, it should be cleaned with a soft microfibre cloth or reusable cotton pad. This will help it keep its shine for a longer time.
925 Silver Tarnishes Because of the Copper Alloy
925 silver tarnishes slowly, but it does tarnish over time, and the rate at which the silver tarnishes is dependent on the concentration of sulfur-containing gases in the air. Typically, silver is exposed to airborne sulfur-containing gases between 86 and 600 parts per trillion (ppt), or one molecule per 1012 molecules of air. In addition to airborne sulfur-containing gases, silver can be tarnished by strong oxidants.
Because sterling silver contains 7.5% copper, it tends to tarnish more quickly than pure silver. The tarnishing process causes a layer of copper sulfide to form, and the silver reacts with copper oxide to form silver chloride.
The combination of copper and sulfur is what causes 925 silver to tarnish. In pure oxygen environments, pure silver does not tarnish, but copper in 925 sterling silver can react with hydrogen sulfide and ozone in the air. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can cause the silver to tarnish faster than pure silver, so it's important to avoid them when wearing sterling silver jewelry.
Cleaning a Silver Chain
The first step to cleaning a silver chain that changes color back to gleaming silver is to prevent the tarnishing process by using the right cleaning agent. You can use baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil, or white vinegar. These ingredients will remove tarnish and keep the silver brighter for longer.
In some cases, a combination of olive oil and lemon juice will effectively remove heavy tarnish. A mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp baking soda can also work. You should soak the piece in the solution for two to three hours, depending on the degree of tarnishing.
Another option to restore tarnished silver is to use toothpaste. You should remember to use a non-whitening toothpaste, because you do not want to damage the silver.
Removing Tarnish from Silver Jewelry
One of the best ways to remove tarnish from silver jewelry is by cleaning it regularly. You can do this by using a simple solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. You can use this solution to clean your silver jewelry and then rinse it with cool water. You can also use hair conditioner, which helps prevent tarnish, to keep your jewelry looking its best.
Another way to remove tarnish from silver jewelry is by applying silver polish. This product can easily remove the tarnish from silver jewelry, especially if you apply it to the piece in circular motions. You should also rinse it off thoroughly afterward to remove any electrolytes. Then, you can use a silver polishing cloth to remove the last particles of tarnish, adding shine to your silver jewelry.
If you want to avoid the use of chemicals, you can also try baking soda and water to remove tarnish from silver jewelry. This is a quick and easy solution for mild tarnishing. Besides baking soda, you can also use a solution of baking soda and salt, which will work well for removing tarnish.
