Haven’t discovered the new collection of silver necklaces from Kalk yet? Today we want to help you keep your pieces in the best condition so you can always wear them at their best.
Can silver get wet? What kind of care does silver jewelry need? Below, we answer these questions and share some practical tips that will be very useful to keep your necklace collection as shiny as the first day.
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER 925? AND WHAT IS HALLMARKED SILVER?
Before clarifying whether sterling silver can get wet, let’s define the difference between silver 925 and hallmarked silver.
Silver 925: When we talk about silver 925, we are referring to jewelry that contains 92.5% silver, and can also include up to 7.5% of other metals.
Hallmarked silver: Hallmarked silver is any piece that contains the minimum percentage of silver established by current legislation. In Spain, this minimum is set at 800 thousandths.
CARE FOR STERLING SILVER
One of the most common problems with silver pieces is that they tarnish. Silver darkens due to the jewel’s contact with acidic agents.
Storing silver jewelry for a long time can also cause it to darken. To avoid this, we recommend:
Keep your silver jewelry in a cool, dry place. Ideally, store them in airtight containers.
Avoid contact with sweat while exercising, or with salt and chlorine when swimming at the beach or in the pool.
Try to keep your jewelry separated. Contact between them accelerates deterioration.
Keep the pieces away from prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial light.
Avoid storing silver in wooden boxes, as they most likely contain some kind of chemical agent.
Clean your jewelry frequently to prevent damage. A simple method is to immerse them for a few minutes in hot water with salt or baking soda on an aluminum base. It’s also important to dry them completely afterward.
CAN IT GET WET?
Can silver get wet? Yes, it can. There’s no problem if silver pieces get wet, but you should always keep in mind that they must not come into contact with chemicals. So, whenever possible, it’s best to keep them away from moisture.
And what about hallmarked silver? The answer is the same. Simple contact with water does not cause sterling silver to tarnish.
DOES IT OXIDIZE?
No, silver does not oxidize. Like other noble metals, such as gold or platinum, silver does not react to atmospheric oxidation.
The fact that it may show a yellowish or dark tone is usually due to contact with chemicals, prolonged exposure to light, or even the pH of our skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have doubts about how to care for your silver pieces? Here we answer the most common questions so your jewelry retains its shine for longer.
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER 925?
Sterling silver or 925 silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This mix provides strength and durability, since pure silver is too soft to work with in jewelry. When we talk about silver 925 or sterling silver, we mean the same quality: ideal for creating jewelry that combines beauty, shine, and great durability for daily wear.
CAN SILVER GET WET WITH SEA WATER?
It can, but it’s not recommended. Salt and minerals in seawater can speed up the appearance of stains and dull the natural shine. If your pieces come into contact with seawater, rinse them with fresh water and dry them well to keep them in perfect condition for longer.
CAN YOU WEAR SILVER IN THE POOL?
It’s best to avoid it. Chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can make sterling silver lose its shine and darken over time. The ideal option is to remove your jewelry before swimming. If they do get wet, rinse them with clean water and dry them carefully.
DOES STERLING SILVER TURN BLACK?
Sterling silver can darken over time due to a natural oxidation process when exposed to air, moisture, or certain chemicals. This doesn’t mean the jewelry is ruined: a simple cleaning will restore its shine. With proper care, sterling silver stays beautiful and durable for years.
HOW TO KNOW IF A PIECE IS REAL SILVER?
Look for the “925” stamp engraved on the piece: it indicates 92.5% pure silver. Also, check the tone and shine: genuine silver has a softer finish than chrome-plated imitations. In addition, it’s not magnetic and tends to darken slightly over time, unlike plated or imitation pieces.
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