Silver
How can you tell if your jewelry is indeed silver?
Look for a stamp - real silver has the “925” or “S925” stamp on it, which stands for 92,5% silver.
Real silver jewelry is not attracted to a magnet - if your jewelry is real, it won’t be strongly attracted to a magnet.
Why does silver jewelry tarnish, and is there any way to prevent it?
All silver jewelry darkens when exposed to air, light, and moisture as the metal reacts with elements in the environment. Fortunately, restoring to its original luster is easy, and you don't have to be a professional or use expensive tools to clean your silver accessories.
Here are some proven methods that will help you restore the magnificent shine of your silver jewelry:
Method 1 - Jewelry cleaning solution.
Many jewelry stores offer relatively inexpensive sets for cleaning jewelry. Cleaning is done from 20 seconds to 2 minutes with rinsing, but no more, careful enough not to damage it. Works best for jewelry with crystals, as it is very mild and won't damage them.
Method 2 - Warm water and Soap
Mixing some warm water and mild dishwashing soap is the simplest way to clean your silver jewelry. Simply fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of soap. Let the jewelry soak for 2-5 mins and then use a soft brush to clean any crevices. Then rinse off the ring and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth. Avoid using paper towels as this can scratch the ring. If your ring has a gemstone it’s best to double check if the stone can be submerged in water. Pearls for example should not be soaked in water. However most gemstones are okay.
Method 3 - Baking Soda and Aluminum foil
This is the most involved method and the one that needs care to be done properly.
Cover a bowl with aluminum foil
Bring water to a boil and add enough to fill the bowl
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water into the bowl
place the silver jewelry in the bowl and make sure the silver touches the foil
Leave it in the solution for 2-5 minutes
Remove the jewelry and rinse under cool water. Dry with a microfibre cloth
This method works by reversing the chemical reaction that caused the jewelry to tarnish in the first place. Which is what makes it such an effective way of cleaning.