Removing Tarnish from Sterling Silver, Gold, and Tungsten Metals

Most metals found in your favorite jewelry can easily be polished up with the right product. However, each metal has a couple of unique characteristics that should be taken into consideration when the time comes to clean and remove tarnish. Some of the most popular metals on the market today are Sterling Silver, Gold, and Tungsten. Here are some tips for polishing these metals.

Sterling Silver

When you polish silver, remember that it is a metal that often involves constantly removing tarnish. Part of the reason for tarnish is because it contains copper which reacts to moisture and sulfur in the air. Chemicals such as perfume, lotions, and high humidity can cause tarnish to appear more quickly on silver. Try to store in an airtight bag and avoid the chemicals that cause tarnish to happen quickly. Polishing silver often will help to fix the problem of tarnish as well.

Gold

You may be fortunate enough to have only 24K gold (pure) pieces, but if you are like most of us, your gold jewelry that is lower in carats is susceptible to tarnish. There are a number of things that can cause gold to tarnish such as deodorant, perspiration, and any compounds that contain acid or sulphur. When gold is stored, it can also be susceptible to tarnish so it is best to keep it in a place where minimal to no oxygen is. When you are perspiring or around chemicals that can tarnish gold, it is smart to remove it from your body.

Tungsten

Tungsten rings and jewelry are sturdy but over time can tarnish. The tarnish comes from contact with chemicals used on a daily basis such as lotions, water with chlorine, and cleaning products. When Tungsten gets tarnished, it will lose the shiny look on the surface and become dull.  Polish Tungsten regularly and make sure to avoid chemicals that will cause tarnish to reappear.

Removing Tarnish from Gold, Sterling Silver, and Tungsten

Most metals can polish up quite easily but each metal has unique characteristics that should be considered when it comes time to polish and remove tarnish.  Today, there are many popular metals but at the top of the list are Gold, Sterling Silver, and Tungsten.  We have compiled some information about each of these metals and tips for keeping them looking shiny and new.

1.   Gold

If you are fortunate enough to only have pure gold pieces (24K) your jewelry is not susceptible to tarnish like in lower carat golds.  Many things can cause gold tarnish such as perspiration, deodorant, or compounds that contain sulphur or acid. Tarnish on gold can also happen when it is stored so it is best to store in a place where minimal to no oxygen reaches it.  Also remove gold jewelry such as rings or bracelets when they are at risk of exposure to harsh chemicals or perspiration.

2.   Sterling Silver

If you feel like you are constantly removing tarnish from your sterling silver, you are not alone.  Sterling Silver is a metal highly vulnerable to tarnish because it contains copper, which reacts to sulfur and moisture in the air.  High Humidity as well as chemicals such as perfume, lotions and acids can cause silver to tarnish more rapidly.  When you are storing silver, it is best to keep it in an airtight bag, which will help diminish tarnishing.  Also, avoid any unnecessary chemicals and remember to polish silver more often to keep it lustrous. 

3.   Tungsten

Rings and jewelry made from Tungsten are very durable but definitely tarnish over time.  Tungsten gets tarnished from agents that are used consistently everyday such as cleaning products, water with chlorine, and lotions.   When tarnish is visible on Tungsten, it will become dull and lose its shiny luster.  Make sure you avoid chemicals that will create tarnish and also polish tungsten regularly.

Polish Silver Safely with these Tips

Good-Looking and lustrous, sterling silver is a very versatile metal.  The classic feel on silver items such as flatware, dishes, and jewelry can be attributed to its soft and finish.  While beautiful, this metal more inclined to stains, tarnish and scratches of various levels.  Here are a few things to keep in mind which will hopefully keep your silver in nice condition.

 

1)   Be sure to clean your silver each time you use it.  By gently washing and wiping down silver and using our Ecology Polishing Pads, you can either prevent or remove tarnish on your silver flatware or jewelry.  Keep in mind, rubber gloves may corrode silver so do not use them when cleaning.

2)   As soon as tarnish can be seen, polish silver.  Silver has a tendency to develop silver over time. Using a silver cleaner will help to rid of tarnish and remove oxidation.  With special pieces that are delicate or include intricate etchings, or special silver collector coins, make sure you check with a jewelry professional to ensure polishing silver is safe.

3)   A quick bath can brighten silver. “Silver Dips” are referred to by professionals as simple and quick acting silver cleaners.   When using these dips, make sure to only soak your silver briefly as these can contain harsh chemicals. Do not use these dips on silver with an oxidized or a gray finish as this can be damaging.  Ecology Pads are the best bet for polishing silver safely.

4)   Silver will be better preserved if stored correctly.  When you are not using your flatware or wearing silver jewelry, make sure you store these items in a protective soft bag to prevent oxidation. Polish silver regularly to keep it looking shiny and new!

Jewelry Cloths: Appropriate for Costume Jewelry?

Costume Jewelry is a term that dates back to a period in the early 20^th century.  We now use the word “outfit” in the same reference to the word costume.  Costume Jewelry has been a part of women’s wardrobes however, for the past 300 years.  Originally jewelry makers used inexpensive glass to create costume jewelry pieces.  Women were able to express themselves through their unique jewelry in a way that they still do today. 

 

Costume Jewelry in the early 20^th century was composed of low-priced stones like rhinestones.  These stones were set in economically priced metals such as nickel, brass or pewter.  In the World War 2 era, sterling silver was used in costume jewelry for a couple of reasons.  The metal was for wartime production but within the private sector, a ban was placed on their use.  Sterling Silver could also be created approximately the color of platinum and therefore became popular.  Mid 20^th century was a particularly popular time for costume jewelry, as the new middle class women wanted something beautiful but also affordable.  Nowadays, costume jewelry incorporates high-end crystals, semi-precious stones, and cubic zirconia set in metals such as silver-plated brass, gold and silver. 

 

Because adhesives are used to adhere stones to metals, cleaning costume jewelry can be a tricky situation as adhesives are delicate.  Costume jewelry becomes less durable when compared to other jewelry types.  As a tip for cleaning costume jewelry, make sure you use jewelry cloth that is free of any harsh chemicals.  An all natural jewelry cleaner would be the safest way to clean and preserve your beautiful jewelry!

Part Two: Use a natural jewelry polisher on the Top 4 Most expensive Gems

We have reached the top of the list, which include the most exclusive and expensive gems that money can buy.  While it may be safe to assume that most people will never own one of these extremely rare stones, they are nonetheless very delicate and any jewelry polishing should be handled with care.

 

4-Blue Garnet

This beautiful blue stone contains a unique mineral named Vanadium.  This Vanadium is responsible for changing the gems colors—blue garnet becomes a greenish-blue by day and a purple by night. If you wish to purchase this gem, it will run around $1.5 million per carat.

 

3-Serendibite

Serendibite is a crystallized mineral that is rare and translucent.  This black gem originated in the Sagaing District, Mogok Burma and the Mandalay Division until Sri Lanka.  For $1.8-$2 million per carat, a very special jewelry cleaning agent is in order.

 

2-Red Diamonds

The Red Diamond is the second most expensive stone that exists in the world today.  The Red Shield is to date the largest found Red Diamond, which is 5.11 carats and valued at over $10 million dollars.   Current value of a Red Diamond is $2-2.5 million per carat.

 

1-Jadeite

Jadeite, the most expensive stone, was actually found by an explorer in Guatemala and California.  A beautiful green hew, this gem made news when 27 pieces of .5mm was sold for $9.3 million in Hong Kong in 1997. If you were to purchase a carat of Jadeite it would cost you around $3 million a carat.

 

If you are fortunate enough to own even a tiny piece of any of these exquisite gems, it is important to have the right jewelry polisher to ensure protection of the gem.

Polish Chrome and Aluminum and Remove Oxidation the Best Way

If you need to polish metals such as Gold, Silver, Chrome and Aluminum, make sure you use the correct polishing agent in order to avoid damaging the surface of your metal. Aluminum polish and Chrome polish each contain unique chemicals, which are only formulated to work on that specific metal. It is important to use the correct formula when polishing aluminum wheels to avoid any unwanted harm to the surface. Our polishing pads work effectively for oxidation removal on all surfaces—especially aluminum and chrome.

If you drive on any road that has been treated for icy conditions, it may have been sprayed with magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride.  These elements can cause damage to your chrome or aluminum wheels. Make sure you wash with water and soap if your wheels have been exposed to any of these things on the road. You may potentially damage the surface if you use a soap or cleaner that is too strong—so use a mild soap and then follow with an Ecology Polishing Pad for a perfect shine!

Whether you are looking to polish chrome, aluminum, or any other metal, our Ecology Polishing Pads are the safest way to get the results you seek. Using one of our jewelry polishing cloth ensures that you will eliminate any damage to the metal surface.  

The Top 10 Most Expensive Gems Part One

When most people think of the most expensive gem in the world, the Diamond may come to mind.  While the diamond is no doubt an expensive stone to own, there are a few lesser know gems that top the list.  Given the rarity and delicacy of these stones, the only safe jewelry polishing cloths that can be used are our very own Ecology Polishing Pads.

 

10-Jeremejevite-Namibia, Africa

This gem is found in sky blue or pale yellow colors and is colorless. The gem was discovered by Pavel Jeremejev a Russian mineralogist in 1883.   A carat of Jeremejevite goes for $2,000.

 

9-Black Opal-Australia

The Black Opal is a magical gem that exhibits the most brilliant of all colors imaginable.  While 95% of Black opals are from Australia, they rest are mind in Brazil, Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, and parts of Africa.  These go for $2,355 per carat.

 

8-Red Beryl Emerald-Utah, US.

In the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah this exquisite red emerald is found. Under high temperature and low pressure, the Red Beryl occurs on ryolite where it is crystallized.  If you have deep pockets, you can buy a rare cut specimen for $10,000 per carat.

 

7-Musgravite-Australia

While first discovered in Australia, the Musgravite has now been found in Madagascar and Greenland.  Musgravite is one of the newest gems composed on Beryllium, Aluminum, and Magnesium.  At $35,000 per carat, this isn’t your average combination of scientific elements.

 

6-Grandidierite-Madagascar

A beautiful greenish blue stone found mainly in Madagascar, the only clean faceted specimen to this day was found in Sri Lanka.  The stone was named after Alfred Grandidier, a French explorer and runs a steep $50,000 per ½ carat!

 

5-Painite-Myanmar

Once called the rarest mineral on earth, this gem is still among the scarcest in the world.  Discovered in the 1950’s, this orangish-red to brownish-red in color stone naturally occurs in a hexagonal shape.  If you want to get your hands on one of these, it will run you $50,000-$60,000 per carat.

Whether you have jewelry set with diamonds, or the very rare Musgravite, it is vitally important to choose the right jewelry cleaner as to not damage any of the stones natural qualities.

 

 

The Truth About Your Favorite Jewlery Polishers

While polishing cloths and certain jewelry polishers can be harmful to not only your jewelry, but also to humans. Certain cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia and tetra acetic acid, which can cause eye and skin irritation and kidney and reproductive damage.  Keeping these cleaners in your home if you have small children can be potentially hazardous or even fatal if a child was to ingest this cleaner.  These chemicals, and countless others that are added into your favorite jewelry cleaners are harmful to the environment as well.

 

In addition, jewelry cloths and polishes are oftentimes only suitable for diamonds and highly durable jewelry.  This is unfortunate if you enjoy costume jewelry or metals such as copper.  Sometimes Copper is jewelry has an added patina in which case a standard jewelry cloth with chemicals may rub off this patina. Cloths can also be abrasive which can result in scratches in your copper and other types of delicate jewelry.

 

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners can be very harmful to certain metal finishes and gemstones such as opals, pearls, and amber.  All this being said, to accommodate a woman’s large collection of jewelry, it isn’t out of the question that multiple jewelry cleaners must be purchased to ensure all jewelry is safe.  However, Ecology Polishing Pads are versatile enough to clean EVERY type of jewelry and precious metal—and the best part is you are protecting yourself, your children, and the environment with a totally affordable solution!