Sterling Silver: What is it and how do you clean it?
How to Care for Your Fandom Regalia Jewellery: Keep Your Pieces Sparkling
At Fandom Regalia, we believe your jewellery should be as enduring as the stories and fandoms that inspire it. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver and gold, our pieces are designed to last a lifetime. However, even the finest treasures require a little maintenance to stay in top condition. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your Fandom Regalia jewellery looking its best.
Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% usually consisting of other metals like copper to enhance its durability. Over time, silver can tarnish due to exposure to air and moisture, which causes a chemical reaction that forms a dull, dark layer on the surface. This is completely normal and can be easily managed with regular care.
Caring for Your Fandom Regalia Sterling Silver Jewellery
Our sterling silver is crafted with a special tarnish-resistant blend, meaning you won't need to clean it as often as other silver jewellery. Our silver is still 92.5% pure silver, but it also has a special ingredient to increase its tarnish resistance. However no silver is tarnish-proof, so to keep your pieces in top shape, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prevent Tarnish Before It Starts
Wear It Regularly: Did you know the natural oils in your skin help keep silver clean? By wearing your jewellery often, you’re helping to prevent tarnish while showing off your geeky style.
Avoid Contact with Lotions: While regular wear is great, be mindful of products like lotions and perfumes. These can leave a residue that dulls your jewellery. Apply products first, then let them absorb before putting on your pieces.
Gentle Cleaning: For light dirt or grease, soak your silver jewellery in room-temperature water with a drop of mild soap. Gently brush away any grime with a clean, soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Proper Storage: When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a sealed container or plastic bag to minimize exposure to air and moisture, which are the main culprits of tarnish.
Step 2: Cleaning Tarnished Silver
Even with the best care, some tarnish is inevitable, especially if your jewellery is not worn or stored regularly. Here’s how to safely clean your Fandom Regalia pieces:
For Silver with Blackened Details (Most of Our Jewellery)
Use a Polishing Cloth: Gently buff your jewellery with a jewellery polishing cloth to remove tarnish. Avoid rubbing blackened areas, as they are intentionally oxidized to add depth and character to the piece. We love this cloth!
Handle Gemstones with Care: Be cautious when cleaning around soft gemstones like pearls. A polishing cloth could scratch these delicate gems.
For Silver Without Blackened Details (Like Our Rupee Signet Ring)
Tarnish Removal at Home: You can clean your tarnished silver easily at home using a DIY method. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and pour in a cup of water. Place your jewellery in the solution, and let it sit for a few minutes. This method works best with hot or boiling water if your piece doesn’t contain fragile gemstones.
Check and Brush: Check your jewellery every 5 minutes, using a soft toothbrush to gently brush away any remaining tarnish. Repeat the process as needed.
Dry Thoroughly: Once your jewellery is clean, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth before wearing or storing it.
A Few Extra Tips for Keeping Your Jewellery Looking New
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Household cleaners, chlorine, and even some beauty products can damage your jewellery. Always remove your pieces before swimming, cleaning, or applying strong beauty treatments.
Regular Inspections: Check your jewellery regularly for loose stones or clasps. If you notice anything amiss, it’s best to take it to a professional for repairs.
By following these simple care tips, your Fandom Regalia jewellery will continue to shine brightly, just like your love for your favourite fandoms. Whether you’re wearing it every day or saving it for special occasions, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping your pieces as magical as the day you first wore them.
Bookmark this page or you can always find our Jewellery Care Tips on our website for a quick reminder.