Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that can be worn for any occasion. It has a bright, shiny finish that makes it perfect for dressing up or dressing down any outfit. Sterling silver is also very affordable, which makes it a popular choice for people of all ages. One question we often hear from our customers is whether or not sterling silver can get wet. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of water on sterling silver jewelry and provide some care tips to help you keep your jewelry looking beautiful!

 

What is Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Sterling silver is made from a metal alloy of silver and typically copper. Many times sterling silver will include a stamp that reads "925", referencing that 92.5% of this jewelry is made from silver and the remaining 7.5% is likely copper or zinc. Sterling silver jewelry is a popular choice amongst both men and women because of its appearance and it's relatively affordable.

This jewelry can be found in a variety of styles, from classic to modern. It is also available in a range of colors, including white, yellow, and rose. Sterling silver can be an excellent addition to any wardrobe as it can dress up an outfit for a special occasion or even add a touch of elegance to everyday wear. It is increasingly common to see sterling silver amongst many jewelry pieces since pure silver (99.9% silver) can be difficult to shape. This type of jewelry is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

 

Can Sterling Silver Get Wet?

Although water by itself does not necessarily damage Sterling silver, the components or chemicals that are associated with water can affect the appearance and texture of the jewelry. Most of the time, light water contact with Sterling silver will not cause any tarnish or damage, however, with constant repetition, the jewelry will give in over time.

 

Can I Wash My Hands If I'm Wearing Sterling Silver

It's recommended to take your jewelry off while washing your hands. Although sink water may not be as harsh to sterling silver as other types of water, constantly mixing water, soap, and sterling silver can harm the appearance of your jewelry over time. If you do wash your hands with sterling silver, be sure to dry your jewelry as soon as possible. Getting your jewelry wet here and there will not immediately effect them, but constant exposure will eventually wear the metals down!

 

Can You Wear Sterling Silver In The Shower?

Showering with sterling silver can be okay in some situations as long as there are no harsh chemicals present in the water. However, even if shower water may not directly cause your jewelry to tarnish, the humidity that takes place from a warm and lengthy shower can have its toll on your jewelry. The mixture of shower water, shampoo, and body wash can also be a negative factor.

 

Can I Take Sterling Silver In a Swimming Pool?

You should not swim in pool water with sterling silver because many times pools will have chlorine in their water. The chlorine and the sterling silver are likely to have a chemical reaction that will alter the appearance of the jewelry.

 

Can I Swim In Saltwater With Sterling Silver?

You should remove your sterling jewelry when swimming in saltwater as the saltwater harms sterling silver. The salt will start to corrode the jewelry and cause it to lose its luster.

Fun fact: If swimming in the ocean, a shark can mistake your jewelry for shiny fish scales.

 

Can I Take Sterling Silver in a Hot Spring?

You should not take your jewelry into a hot spring. Hot springs have water that contain many chemicals and can corrode your jewelry. Not to mention, the heat from the spring can also damage your sterling silver.

 

What About a Hot Tub?

Hot tubs can be an excellent place to relax, but it is strongly recommended to remove your jewelry before entering. The chemicals that are in hot tubs can cause your sterling silver to tarnish. The heat from the tub can also damage your jewelry.

 

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish When Wet?

Water itself does not tarnish sterling silver, but the other chemicals and components that are associated with water can harm the jewelry. It is important to dry your jewelry as soon as possible after it comes in contact with water. If you are constantly getting your sterling silver wet, it will start to show wear and tear over time. If you ever get caught in the rain or your jewelry accidentally gets wet, that should be no problem, just be sure to dry your jewelry as soon as you get the chance!

 

How Long Does Sterling Silver Take To Tarnish?

Sterling silver does not tarnish immediately when it comes in contact with water or other chemicals. However, over time, the jewelry will start to show signs of wear and tear. If you are constantly getting your sterling silver wet, it will tarnish more quickly.

 

Sterling Silver Care and Cleaning

When it comes to caring for your jewelry, there are a few things you can do to help keep it looking its best.

• Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals or cleaning agents, as this can cause it to tarnish.
• When you are not wearing your sterling silver, store it in a cool, dry place. An airtight container is ideal.
• Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions, as these can all cause the sterling silver to tarnish.
• If your sterling silver does become tarnished, you can clean it with a soft cloth and a mild silver polish.
  
  

Shop From Reputable Sellers

When buying jewelry, be sure to shop from a reputable seller. This will help ensure that you are getting high-quality sterling silver that is less likely to tarnish. At Sterling Forever we pride ourselves in creating jewelry that is of high quality and offer a lifetime guarantee, therefore if your jewelry ever tarnishes or breaks we will replace or repair it. Whether you're looking for a sterling silver necklace or a gold ring, our jewelry is made to last forever.

 

Wipe Your Jewelry After Use

It's important to wipe down your jewelry after each use. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or cosmetics that could tarnish the jewelry.

 

Store The Jewelry Right Away

Sterling silver is a beautiful and delicate metal that can last a lifetime with proper care. After wearing your jewelry and wiping it after use, store it in an airtight container to avoid exposure to the elements. Ideally, you should store your jewelry in a dark and non-humid area.

 

Separate Sterling Silver from Other Metals

It's best to store sterling silver in a separate container or jewelry case from your other jewelry. This will help prevent the sterling silver from becoming tarnished by contact with other metals.

 

Avoid Humid Places

When storing sterling silver, avoid humid places. The moisture in the air can cause the sterling silver to tarnish.

 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals can damage the sterling silver and cause it to tarnish. When cleaning your jewelry, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners.

 

How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home

Sterling silver is a beautiful metal, but it can tarnish over time. Luckily, you can use common household items to clean it and make it look new again.

All you need is some water, baking soda, salt, and aluminum foil. First, line a bowl with the aluminum foil and then add some water. Next, add baking soda and salt. Finally, add your jewelry to the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.

After a few minutes, remove the jewelry and rinse it off with warm water. You'll be amazed at how shiny and new it looks!

Next time your sterling silver starts to look a little dull, rest assured that some everyday household items such as baking soda, salt, water, and aluminum foil can restore your jewelry's look in no time.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's best to avoid getting sterling silver wet as much as possible. If you do get it wet, be sure to dry it off as soon as possible and avoid harsh chemicals, hot springs, and saltwater. If you take care of your jewelry, it can last you a lifetime. Additionally, if you do want your sterling silver to last you a lifetime, Sterling Forever has a great collection of jewelry that are high-quality pieces and affordable. Jewelry pieces from Sterling Forever are also tarnish-resistant and come with a lifetime guarantee so you can enjoy your purchase for years to come.