Jewelry Care Guide

What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This is why you'll often see sterling pieces marked with a .925 symbol somewhere on the piece. Adding copper to the alloy preserves the brightness of silver, but adds strength to it. A little bit of copper is why your silver jewelry lasts a lifetime.

Why does it tarnish?

Pure silver doesn't tarnish but copper will oxidize over time as it reacts with oxygen in the air and can turn a number of colors, including green (think Statue of Liberty). The tarnish you see in sterling silver is actually a result of that same chemical process.

How can we prevent tarnishing?

  1. Wear your silver jewelry frequently: Silver jewelry looks its best when it's worn frequently. The natural oils in your skin can help to prevent tarnishing and keep your jewelry looking bright and shiny.

  2. Store your silver jewelry when you're not wearing it: Humidity can cause silver to tarnish, so it's important to store your pieces away from moisture. You can use a jewelry box, pouch or even a zip-lock bag.

  3. Keep your silver jewelry away from chemicals: Chemicals like perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and household cleaners can damage your silver jewelry, so it's best to avoid spraying or applying them directly to your jewelry.

  4. Clean your silver jewelry regularly: Silver jewelry can tarnish over time, so it's important to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best. You can use a soft cloth and a silver cleaning solution to clean your jewelry, or you can use warm water and dish soap.

  5. Avoid using abrasive materials: Harsh materials like toothbrushes, paper towels, or tissues can scratch your silver jewelry, so it's best to avoid using them. Instead, use a soft cloth specifically designed for silver cleaning.

  6. Take off your silver jewelry when swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can cause silver to tarnish, so it's best to take off your jewelry before swimming.

  7. Have your silver jewelry professionally cleaned: If your silver jewelry is heavily tarnished or damaged, you can take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning and repair.