How to Store Silver

Storing silver properly after cleaning is the only way to keep it from turning color too rapidly. Silver reacts to the air which causes the unsightly appearance of tarnish. Once tarnish is removed and the silver is polished, proper storage is a must to keep your silver shining.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silver storage bags
• Plastic wrap
• Silver storage boxes
• White chalk
• Activated charcoal
• Silica gel

1. Store silver in an area free from dust and dirt.

2. Add silica gel to the cabinet or drawer to keep humidity levels low.
   
   

3. Place a small dish of activated charcoal in your storage area to absorb air born gases that cause tarnish.

4. Keep silver stored on wood that has been treated with polyurethane or lacquer. This will also keep tarnish down.

5. Limit the amount of exposure to air by storing silver pieces in bags pretreated with anti-tarnish material. You can also wrap silver in plastic kitchen wrap.
   
   

6. Put a piece of white chalk in your storage drawer or area to prevent tarnish.

7. Polish silver thoroughly before storage with a polish designed to stop or slow tarnish.
   
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• The only way to guarantee little to no tarnish is to prevent any exposure of silver to air. Consider taking in your valuable silver pieces for shrink wrapping between uses. You can also purchase shrink-wrapping kits for home use.
• Always polish silver with a soft white cloth. Silver is very soft and can scratch easily.
• If tarnish is a problem after storage, use a trusted tarnish remover and wash the pieces thoroughly before use.
• Silver is beautiful when well cared for. Do not invest in silver if you aren't ready for the work that comes with keeping it shining.

[Keata138]

on 11/14/2008 permanently damage your jewelry. If cleaning is necessary, use a trusted jewelry cleaner like this one from GEMaffair: http://www.gemaffair.com/Jewlelry-Cleaner-Jewel-Jet-Jewelry-Steamer/M/B000MVZZP2.htm

This unit is a great investment as it uses only steam to clean pieces and can be used on all type of jewelry. Steam is not only one of the most effective ways to rid your silver of that muddy appearance; it is also one of the most gentle.

If you’re taking the right steps, it is easy to keep your silver shining. Try one or all of these steps and see for yourself.

[Keata138]

on 11/14/2008 Silver is relatively easy to care for if you know how. To avoid tarnished pieces, always wipe them off before and after they are worn. You can use a leather chamois cloth to effectively polish your jewelry. It is soft enough so that it doesn't mar the surface, yet strong enough to wipe away forming tarnish.

Also, make sure not wear your silver jewelry when you're swimming or in the shower as it will speed up the discoloration process.

And since silver tarnishes because of the sulfides present in the air, store your pieces in air tight containers like ziplock bags or tupperware. It may not be the most appealing way to store your goods, but it will keep them from sullying.

And finally, be sure to avoid harsh chemical cleansers as they will eventually permanently discolor jewelry. After the first cleaning, your piece will be stunning, but after a few uses it may begin to