Like all jewelry, your silver chain needs cleaning from time to time. It is in direct contact with the skin of your neck, with your clothes, but also with pollution, humidity, chemicals… It is therefore essential to maintain it. Here you will find advice on how to properly clean your silver chain as well as tips and advice on how to make a chain that has blackened shine again.
TIPS FOR WASHING A SILVER CHAIN AND MAINTAINING IT REGULARLY
First of all, to avoid having to clean your silver chain and your other jewelry too often, keep it in a box, a box, some tissue paper … and remove all your jewelry as soon as you bathe, when you play sports or do housework.
To clean a silver chain, nothing could be simpler. All you need is a little lukewarm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, a product, and a chamois leather or a soft, clean cloth. Here are some easy recipes to make at home:
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in lukewarm water and rub all the links of the chain with a soft toothbrush soaked in this mixture. Rinse with clean water and dry the jewel.
- Let the chain soak for two hours in a bowl filled with white vinegar. Rinse and pat dry.
- Rub the jewelry with cold ash. Rinse and pat dry.
- Soak the chain in the juice of a lemon. Rinse and pat dry.
- Scrub the chain with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse and pat dry.
HOW TO WHITEN A SILVER CHAIN AND PREVENT IT FROM BLACKENING AGAIN
Your silver chain has lost its shine, has it darkened in places? These phenomena are normal; it is not the quality of the metal that is at stake. And it is possible to get your silver chain back which has blackened. You can soak the chain in saltwater for a few seconds. Then, place the jewel on a sheet of aluminum foil. It is the aluminum that will rid the chain of its oxidation. Another similar recipe is to enclose the chain and coarse salt in a sheet of aluminum foil. Then soak this package in a saucepan filled with boiling water. Wait about ten minutes to remove the package, without getting burned. Then rinse the jewel with clean water and dry thoroughly with a chamois or a soft cloth.
This method is to be avoided if your chain is adorned with precious stones, pearls, etc. Also, remove the pendants and other charms.
HOW TO MAKE A SILVER CHAIN SHINE?
To make a silver chain sparkle, you can use Meudon white. Coat a rag with the powder and rub the chain. Then rinse with clear water and dry the jewel.
The shine of a silver jewel is also often due to the layer of rhodium which covers it. This gradually disappears and it must be renewed regularly. You can use rhodium plating kits. Or take your chain to a jeweler who will give it a rhodium bath. Your chain will be clean and shiny as the first day.
