.925 Sterling Silver
All of Hi Octane Jewelry’s sterling silver jewelry is .925 and should require a little less work than the silver you may have purchased elsewhere.
If you purchased white bronze or gold bronze the
DRY SILVER IS HAPPY SILVER
Chemicals and contaminants in the water can result in tarnished and dull looking silver, so it’s best to know what’s what when it comes to water. Make sure after you wash your hands that you thoroughly dry your hands especially the skin under your rings.
Shower. It’s not a great idea to shower with your jewelry on, but once in a while isn’t going to do any lasting damage. Just make sure to dry it after.
Swimming Pool. Take your silver off. Chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical, so if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewelry before hopping in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward.
Hot Tub. Same idea as the swimming pool, but there’s even more chlorine in the hot tub and the heat can accelerate the chemical reaction.
Hot Springs. The sulfur in natural hot springs will wreak havoc on your silver. Unless you’re going for that “dark oxidized” look, try to avoid at all costs.
Bonus Tip: Chemicals in lotions and perfumes can also cause your jewelry to tarnish. Apply them first, let them dry, and then put your jewelry on. This alone can make a HUGE difference in your silver’s luster.
MAINTAIN PROPER STORAGE
If you leave a classic car out in the rain, what happens? It gets dirty! The similar principle applies to sterling silver care. You need appropriate storage for your stunning pieces. And, you need to be diligent about maintenance.
Air exposure can wreck havoc by tarnishing your delicate silver. Don’t just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewelry chest. And, don’t just leave it in your purse or drawer!
Your Hi Octane Jewelry Bag that your piece came in is an excellent place to store your ring. The soft inside surface of the bag can be used to polish the piece gently.
For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
Finally, if you are traveling with your jewelry (because we know you want to look glamorous when in paradise), be sure to use a special case for protection! The last issue you want to deal with on vacation is scratched-up jewelry, right?
KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELRY
Yes, we know how much you love your gorgeous ring or bracelet. And, we know it can be hard to take those babies on and off again. But, you should consider it.
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, car grease and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Don’t take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry!
It is a good idea to remove jewelry during the following times but we will let you use common sense:
Household chores, such as dishes, laundry, and when using cleaning supplies
When working in the garage on your hot rod
When showering or bathing
Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas
Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool)
When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products)
Preparing, cooking, or eating foods that contain sulfur (this includes eggs and mayonnaise)
Preventative care is ALWAYS easier than aftercare!
POLISH IT PRETTY
Sterling silver care can be as easy as a fast rubdown.
To do this, use a simple microfiber cloth or the bag your jewelry piece came in or Sterling Silver polishing cloth
Focus on maintaining long up-and-down strokes to clean the jewelry. Be sure to use different parts of the cloth to avoid spreading any tarnish. Do not use circular motions here, as it can actually make the tarnish or dirt worse. Be sure to avoid polishing any part of the jewelry that is intentionally oxidized.
In a pinch, a rubber eraser does wonders.
