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Care and Precautions for fine Silver and Sterling Silver
Although an open bracelet can be adjusted slightly, it is not suitable for frequent bending. Over time, repeated external force can lead to metal fatigue and cause it to break.
If the texture is a matte white finish of annealed 999-fine-silver, slight collisions after use can easily leave marks. There’s no need to worry too much; these are simply natural signs of wear over time.
When fine silver or sterling silver tarnishes and turns yellow or black, you can use a silver polishing cloth to clean it. For hard-to-reach areas, it’s fine to leave some of the darkened tarnish, as it is a natural characteristic.
Wearing silver jewelry regularly is the best way to care for it, as the natural oils from your skin can give the silver a warm, lustrous shine.
Fine silver and sterling silver are not suitable for soaking in hot springs.
When not being worn, store it in a sealed zippered pouch or a sealed box.
If you really want to return 999 fine silver to its 'matte white' appearance, it requires fire and annealing (this process will make the silver lose its elasticity and become softer). Please exercise caution when using fire.
Prepare tweezers or tongs, a heat source, and clean water. Choose a torch based on the size of the item, or you can use a household gas stove with a wire rack placed on top.
(Note: This method should not be used if the jewelry contains other materials, electroplating, or stones.)
Before the silver metal starts to show a slight red hue, quickly move the heat source away; otherwise, the silver may melt. The temperature of the silver metal will become very high, so use tongs and do not touch it directly with your hands. You can place it in clean water to cool it down.
Note: 999 fine silver will appear matte white after annealing, while 925 silver (which contains 75 parts per thousand of other metals) and areas with solder will typically develop black oxidation after annealing.
Cleaning Recommendations
Method 1: Use a toothbrush with toothpaste to gently brush. (For polished surfaces, avoid toothpaste with abrasive particles, as it can cause scratches.)
Wipe with a silver polishing cloth. (Do not get the polishing cloth wet.)
Method 3: You can soak the silver jewelry in silver cleaning solution for a few seconds, then use tongs to remove it. Rinse with clean water, and afterwards, dry it with a paper towel or use a hairdryer to blow dry, but be careful to avoid burns. (Using silver cleaning solution is a corrosive method and is not highly recommended.)
The above is for reference.
Everyone is welcome to share their experiences and insights.
Thank you all!
