Sterling Silver chains are very popular pieces in mens jewellery. They can offer minimalistic and bold additions to any look. Fine chains are fantastic for everyday wear and will definitely complete any outfit, while large chains can make a bolder statement. Regardless of your style preferences, it is important to buy a real silver chain opposed to steel and brass, as they are both worthless and a waste of money. Be smart with your cash. Now find a retailer that mentions all pertinent details like weight and purity, like we do at Gold Ami. Sterling silver is a metal that will tarnish very mildly and slowly after long periods of time (years), but dont be alarmed. This tarnish on the sterling silver can easily be removed and your silver can be brought back to its original shine and glory. Thankfully we only sell silver and gold and so you can rest assured your chain can always be refurbished back to new. This is unfortunately not the case with cheaply plated alternatives made from steel and brass. Once a cheap gold or silver coating wears off that chain is trash. In this blog we will briefly cover a couple different ways you can clean your sterling silver chain so it looks as good as the day you bought it.
What's Sterling silver made of?
First lets look at what makes up a sterling silver chain. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, most of the time copper, which make it stronger and more durable. Pure silver (.999) is significantly softer than .925 Sterling silver, this means Sterling silver is less likely to scratch and will last longer. All our chains ate .925 Sterling Silver. Silver is perfect for chains as its strong adn durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Easy DIY ways to clean your silver chains
If your chain is only slightly dirty and tarnished, you can easily clean this with a cloth and some warm soapy water. Just wet the cloth with some warm water and add a drop of soap, then gently rub the chain to remove any dirt or mild tarnish. Once you have cleaned your chain be sure to rinse it of any soap with warm water and dry it.
How to remove tarnish and discolouration from your silver jewellery
If your sterling silver chain has become tarnished or discoloured, there are a few easy things methods to restore its stunning shine.
Cleaning Silver with a Polishing cloth
One of the easiest ways to remove tarnish is to use a silver polishing cloth, this cloth is designed to remove all tarnish and discoloration with just a few rubs. Grab your polishing cloth and place your chain in-between it. Pinch down on the polishing cloth and pull your chain through a few times. Tarnish will come off quickly and you chain will shine like new again. DISCLAIMER: Only use a polishing cloth on real Sterling silver jewellery, dont use it on cheaply plated alternatives as that will remove the thing plating and expose metal that will turn your neck green.
Cleaning Sterling Silver with Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda and water to create a cleaning solution. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste, then grab a soft cloth to apply the paste to the chain. Let the paste sit on the chain for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water . Go on to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth and TA-DA your chain should look like new!
How durable are sterling silver chains?
When it comes to durability, sterling silver chains are a great choice as they are strong and long-lasting. However, like any other piece of jewellery, they can become damaged over time. To maintain the longevity of your sterling silver chain, it is important to store it properly when you're not wearing it. Keep it in a safe and dry place, such as a jewellery box or pouch, to prevent it from becoming tarnished or damaged. Additionally, it is a good idea to remove your sterling silver chain when performing physical activities or when it may come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, as these can cause damage to the metal.
Where to shop for sterling silver chains and what to look for?
When buying sterling silver chains in Australia, there are several key things to look out for to ensure that you get a high-quality product. First and foremost, pay attention to the weight of the chain. This weight should reflect the price, if it doesnt you can assume that the retailers are overcharging you for your silver.. Additionally, be wary of chains that are plated or made of cheap metals, as these can cause an allergic reaction and result in green skin. Finally, be cautious of people who try to sell stainless steel as silver. Stainless steel has a similar appearance to silver, but it is much cheaper and less valuable. It is important to do your research and only purchase from reputable sources to ensure that you get a genuine sterling silver chain.
At Gold Ami we have a range of different chain styles in .925 sterling silver, from simple and understated to bold and statement-making, to suit your personal taste. All our jewellery is priced off its weight, this way you know youre getting real value and not paying 100s of dollars for worthless brass and steel.
