What You Need to Know About Oxidized Sterling Silver Jewelry
There are different types of metal and jewelry in the market today that will fit every individual's style and personality. Some may find that they're attracted to gold's elegance, while some love the chicness of silver. On the other hand, some people gravitate towards a more vintage and classic look, and that is something oxidized sterling silver jewelry can provide.
When you put oxidized sterling silver jewelry beside other metals and pieces, you'll notice how unique they are and how they stand out from the bunch. Oxidized sterling silver is sterling silver that has been exposed to oxygen for a long time in a pressurized environment, making it darker and have little luster. This effect makes your jewelry look slightly tarnished and gives it an antique touch.
If you're curious about oxidized silver jewelry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll share what you need to know about sterling jewelry and how to take care of them. Let's get started!
What is oxidized sterling silver jewelry?
As mentioned earlier, oxidized sterling silver jewelry is silver exposed to oxygen for a long time. What makes this type of jewelry different from other pieces is its striking darker color and tarnished look, giving it a more vintage feel.
When dealing with pure silver, it must be polished and cleaned regularly and kept in areas that won't have too much oxygen to keep it from tarnishing. On the other hand, oxidized silver jewelry won't be affected by the tarnish; in fact, it's much better to have them because the tarnish allows the oxidized silver to get an even more oxidized work.
You should also know that oxidized sterling silver is quite low maintenance, meaning, unlike other types of jewelry, you don't need to polish and clean them regularly. The silver sulfide found in these pieces of jewelry can be removed quickly to bring back its shine.
How do I take care of my jewelry?
When caring for your oxidized silver jewelry, you need to be extra careful about the products and techniques you use because it can remove the patina of your pieces. And since most commercial cleaners were made to remove tarnish, it's best to keep your oxidized silver away from these products.
If your jewelry was exposed to chemicals or it's been sitting in a box for a while, they can tarnish in an undesirable way, but there are ways to remedy this.
1. Soap and water solution
Gently rub the jewelry with a simple water and soap solution and pat dry with a non-abrasive cloth.
2. Baking soda and water solution
If you want to improve the finish of your jewelry, use a baking soda and water solution to rub the affected area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a cloth.
3. Pre-loaded jewelry cleaning cloth
For a shiny finish, polish your oxidized jewelry with cleaning cloths with a specially formulated tarnish-removing solution to remove unwanted tarnish and patches.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of oxidized silver jewelry and how to care for them, you'll be more confident about wearing them out and expanding your oxidized sterling jewelry collection. If you're into a more vintage and timeless look, you'll definitely love to work this type of jewelry. And the best part? It goes well with almost any outfit!
Are you looking for oxidized silver jewelry? Check out Black Beetle. Our jewelry is more than just a symbol, but a totem of a rarified expression of our deep connection to the earth. Check out our jewelry and find the perfect piece today!