3 natural tricks to clean your silver jewellery.

Three 100% natural tricks to shine your silver jewelry

Silver is a metal that has always been associated with elegance, sophistication and timeless beauty. Silver jewelry can be fashioned into many shapes, and the final creations are often brilliant and captivating, reflecting the skill and artistry of the jeweler.


But while silver jewelry is shiny when first purchased, it has a tendency to oxidize over time. Sunlight, swimming, perspiration and the manual activities of daily life are all causes that can accelerate the oxidation of your silver jewelry. The fact that silver jewelry can become tarnished, blackened or lose its luster is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it adds a dimension of authenticity and uniqueness to silver jewelry.


If you're wondering how to clean silver jewelry effectively and safely, this article is for you. We'll explore various methods, including the use of silver stone, lemon juice and a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to ensure effective cleaning of your silver jewelry

Silver stone: A natural product for cleaning tarnished silver jewelry

It's by far our star product and the best-kept secret in the jewelry world. The use of silver stone for cleaning silver jewelry is a very popular method due to its effectiveness and ecological nature. This natural product is an excellent alternative to chemical products, and we suggest you read this article to learn more about it. But how do you use silver stone to restore the shine of tarnished silver jewelry? Here are some detailed instructions and precautions for this silver jewelry cleaning method.

Commercial packaging of silver stone as sold in Canada

Detailed instructions

  1. Jewelry preparation: Before you start, make sure your jewelry is free of porous stones such as pearls, which could be affected by the cleaning process. Faceted gemstones such as diamonds are less at risk, but avoid direct contact with the product.
  2. Wetting the silver stone: Soak the silver stone in water to soften it.
  3. Application to jewelry: Gently rub the wet stone into tarnished silver jewelry. For hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  4. Rinsing: Once you've covered all tarnished areas, rinse the jewelry with lukewarm water.
  5. Drying: Use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry. Make sure they are completely dry to prevent further oxidation.

Precautions to be taken

  • Test on a small area: Before cleaning the entire piece of jewelry, perform a small test on a less visible area to make sure there is no adverse reaction.
  • Beware of precious stones: If your jewelry has inlaid stones, be extremely careful. Some stones, such as coral, opal and pearls, can be damaged by cleaning.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure: Do not leave the silver stone in contact with the jewelry for a long time. The process must be quick enough to avoid damaging the metal.

Lemon juice: An effective trick for cleaning oxidized silver jewelry

Here's your grandmother's favorite tip for cleaning your silver jewelry. It's a natural cleaning method that has gained in popularity thanks to its effectiveness and simplicity. This approach is particularly useful for cleaning oxidized silver jewelry and restoring its original lustre.


Here's how to proceed step by step, the precautions to take and the benefits of this silver jewelry cleaning method.

Lemon cut with a bowl of lemon juice concentrate.

Detailed instructions

  1. To prepare the mixture: Mix the juice of one fresh lemon with half a cup of lukewarm water in a bowl.
  2. Soak jewelry: Place your silver jewelry in the mixture and leave to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. For heavily oxidized jewelry, you can leave for up to 20 minutes.
  3. Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away tarnish and oxidation.
  4. Rinsing: After brushing, rinse jewelry with clear water to remove any lemon residue.
  5. Drying: Dry your jewelry carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent further oxidation.

Precautions to be taken

  • Sensitive stones and materials: If your jewelry contains precious stones or other delicate materials, remove them if possible before cleaning, or avoid exposing them to the lemon mixture. Again, porous stones such as pearl and coral are more fragile and should avoid contact with lemon juice, while precious gems such as diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire can be in contact without prolonged exposure.
  • Duration of exposure: Avoid leaving your silver jewelry in the lemon juice mixture for long periods. Be careful not to leave them there all day, as the acidity can damage the silver. 
  • Preliminary test: Always test the silver jewelry cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous section to check for any adverse reactions before proceeding with the full cleaning procedure.

Advantages of this method

  • Ecological and natural: Cleaning silver jewelry with lemon uses just one natural ingredient, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners.
  • Economical: Lemon juice is inexpensive and readily available, making it a cost-effective option.
  • Effectiveness: This method is particularly effective for cleaning oxidized silver jewelry and restoring shine to tarnished pieces.

Using these tips to clean silver jewelry, lemon juice proves to be both an economical and effective option. However, the use of silver stone remains the jeweller's first choice for restoring the beauty of your jewels.

Vinegar and baking soda: A natural solution for cleaning blackened silver jewelry

You don't have a silver stone and your lemon supply is depleted? No problem. A solution of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be used to effectively clean silver jewelry and restore it to its former glory.


Contrary to popular belief, cleaning silver jewelry with white vinegar is not only effective in removing oxidation and tarnish, it's also safe for the environment. Here are detailed instructions, precautions to take and why this method is effective.

Jar of vinegar, baking soda on a table with a toothbrush and cloth.

Detailed instructions

  1. Preparing the solution: In a bowl, mix half a cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda.
  2. Soaking jewelry: Place your silver jewelry in one of these two mixtures and leave to soak for 2 to 3 hours.
  3. Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away oxidized or tarnished areas.
  4. Rinsing: Rinse jewelry with lukewarm water to remove solution residues.
  5. Drying: Wipe jewelry with a soft cloth and make sure it is completely dry before storing.

Precautions to be taken

  • Sensitivity test: Before cleaning the entire object, perform a small test on a less visible section to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
  • Sensitive stones: If your jewelry contains precious or semi-precious stones, be sure to remove them if possible or protect them with cling film during the cleaning process.
  • Soaking time: Avoid leaving jewelry in the solution for prolonged periods, as this could potentially damage the silver.

Method effectiveness

  • Tarnish removal: The vinegar-based solution works effectively to remove stains and oxidation from silver jewelry.
  • Economical: This is an economical option, especially compared to other silver jewelry cleaning products which can be costly.
  • Safe and environmentally friendly: This method is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it an excellent choice for those who care about their environmental footprint.

A solution of white vinegar and baking soda is therefore an excellent option for cleaning blackened silver jewelry, offering a method that is both effective and environmentally friendly. As effective as lemon juice, but less effective than silver stone, the vinegar-based mixture can never replace the in-depth cleaning offered by a jeweller.

A woman's hand wears two sterling silver friendship rings

Un amour infini and Tissé serré rings in sterling silver

Sterling silver crown ring on a woman's hand

La princesse miroir ring in sterling silver

If you'd like to deepen your knowledge of this subject and learn how to recognize the early signs of silver tarnish, the Canadian Conservation Institute offers an activity dedicated to understanding the tarnishing of silver objects, easily done at home.

A warning against popular jewelry cleaners.

  • Chemicals can cause staining, discoloration and even chemical reactions that alter the very structure of the metal.
  • The use of chemical cleaners can also damage precious and semi-precious stones, causing color changes, scratches and even cracks.
  • Cheap jewelry cleaners can also pose health risks. Contact with the skin can cause irritation and allergies.
  • Finally, these cleaners are often harmful to the environment. Their production, use and disposal can all contribute to environmental pollution and wasted resources.

While it can be tempting to turn to quick fixes for silver jewelry cleaning, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with using cheap jewelry cleaners. Although these products promise to clean silver jewelry easily, their chemical composition can often be more harmful than beneficial. Here are a few reasons why it may be best to avoid these popular cleaners.

  • Chemicals can cause staining, discoloration and even chemical reactions that alter the very structure of the metal.
  • The use of chemical cleaners can also damage precious and semi-precious stones, causing color changes, scratches and even cracks.
  • Cheap jewelry cleaners can also pose health risks. Contact with the skin can cause irritation and allergies.
  • Finally, these cleaners are often harmful to the environment. Their production, use and disposal can all contribute to environmental pollution and wasted resources.

Rhodium: A long-term solution for the brilliance of your silver jewelry

If you're tired of cleaning your silver jewelry as it continues to oxidize and lose its luster, rhodium plating is the solution that keeps your silver jewelry looking beautiful for a long time. Here's why rhodium could be the best option for keeping your silver jewelry in pristine condition.

  • One of rhodium 's greatest qualities is its exceptional resistance to tarnish. Once your silver jewelry is rhodium-plated, you don't have to worry about oxidation making it dull or black. However, some people sweat more than others, and acidic perspiration accelerates rhodium degradation.
  • Rhodium is a shiny metal, and its application to clean silver Chain or other silver jewelry enhances their shine and gives them a new, sparkling appearance.
  • For those with allergies to certain metals, rhodium is a hypoallergenic option that creates a barrier between your skin and the silver metal.

Rhodium plating is generally carried out by professional jewelers. The process involves the careful cleaning of silver jewelry before immersing it in a rhodium solution, which is electroplated onto the metal. Although rhodium is an excellent option for silver jewelry careit's important to note that this precious metal can be expensive. However, given its long-term benefits, it can be well worth the investment.

Have your silver jewelry cleaned by a jeweller

When it comes to silver jewelry care, there's no substitute for the expertise and know-how of a professional jeweler. Although there are various home cleaning methods available, these techniques can often prove risky if not carried out correctly. Jewelers have the specific training and experience to know exactly how to handle and clean your silver jewelry. They have access to cleaning tools and machines such as ultrasonics and polishers, which enable them to thoroughly clean your jewelry without damaging it.


Finally, the cleaning methods suggested in this article can also be used to restore the lustre of your gold jewelry. However, only white gold can be rhodium-plated. Don't hesitate to contact one of our jewellers, who will be happy to answer all your questions and give you the best possible advice on cleaning your silver jewelry.

Buddhist-inspired sterling silver lotus pendant on leather cord worn by a slender man on the beach

The Bouddah Lotus pendant in sterling silver with leather cord

Buddhist-inspired pendant with Buddha face in sterling silver worn by a woman on the beach

The Aum Bouddah pendant in sterling silver with Chain in silver

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. Why is my silver ring blackened and lacklustre?

Silver is a metal that reacts with oxygen and humidity in the air. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of a layer of silver oxide, giving the ring a tarnished or grayish appearance. Chemicals in perfumes, soaps and lotions can accelerate the oxidation process.


2. How do I clean my silver jewelry?

Silver jewelry can be cleaned in a variety of ways. The most common methods use silver stone, lemon juice or white vinegar. Scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoid contact with precious stones, rinse with clear water after application and dry all corners of the jewel with a clean cloth.


3. What is the best product to clean my silver jewelry?

Chemicals sold on the market to clean silver jewelry are usually more harmful than beneficial. The shine is often short-lived, and the metal may suffer degradation. The use of silver stone remains the first choice of jewelers when it comes to so-called "homemade" methods. However, cleaning your jewelry in a jewelry store remains the safest solution.


4. What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium is a rare chemical element belonging to the platinum family. Rhodium plating is the process of covering silver or white gold jewelry with a layer of rhodium to protect it from corrosion and enhance its brilliance.


Get an online consultation with one of our jewellers today.