Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver is, alongside gold, one of the most valued and popular precious metals used in jewelry making. Its remarkable versatility, shine, and durability make silver jewelry highly sought after by people around the world.

Silver also carries a rich history and cultural significance. Since ancient civilisations, it has been valued not only for its beauty, but also for its believed healing and mystical properties.

Today, silver jewelry continues to captivate with its charm and elegance, becoming a staple in many wardrobes. Chosen for both everyday wear and special occasions, it adds a subtle shine and refined touch to any outfit.

When to remove your jewelry?

• Remove your jewelry before swimming, especially in the ocean. Saltwater can be damaging to the stone beads (especially the matte ones), Sterling Silver and the stretch cord used for the beaded bracelets. Same goes for swimming pools and hot tubs - chlorine can damage your accessories.
• Remove your jewelry before bathing or taking a shower. Although sterling silver doesn't suffer any negative effects from contact with water, we do recommend taking off your jewelry before bathing. Bracelets strung on stainless steel cords absolutely have to be kept dry, because while the cord is water resistant it is not 100% resistant to corrosion. When moisture gets trapped between the stone beads and the cord repeatedly - it will corrode and break!
• Remove jewelry before using cosmetics. Avoid contact between natural materials that our jewelry is made of and moisturizers, perfume, cologne, sunscreen and tanning lotions. Sterling Silver can be quite resistant to those, however the stones can be much more vulnerable. It's best to put jewelry on after you've applied your cosmetics.
• Remove your jewelry before exercising or playing any sport. Getting your jewelry sweaty can be harmful for it - especially the Silver and matte stones. Not to mention all the risks of mechanical damage.
• Avoid prolonged sunlight exposure. Direct sunlight can weaken the elastic band of our stretch bracelets. Over time, it can cause it to break.
• Avoid putting your jewelry in contact with sand and dirt. Little particles have a way of getting into all the crevices of jewelry, making it hard to clean. They can also cause scratches.

Cleaning

Silver jewelry doesn’t require any special cleaning agents — for everyday care, water and a bit of dish soap are more than enough. Interestingly, regular dish soap can be found in many professional jewelry workshops!

• You can use a soft toothbrush or a small brush to gently clean the surface and hard-to-reach areas of your jewelry. Avoid strong detergents or abrasive brushes that could scratch the silver.
• If you own a lot of silver jewelry, it’s worth investing in a cleaner specifically designed for silver. These products are much more effective at removing oxidation. Silver polishing cloths impregnated with a cleaning agent also work great — they can last for years with proper use.
• After cleaning, rinse the piece under running water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Tap water left on the metal surface can leave mineral residue.

Preventing Oxidation

Oxidation is a natural process that causes silver to develop a dark or bluish tarnish on its surface. This layer, known as patina, forms as silver sulfides build up and is considered part of the metal’s natural aging and character.

Silver can oxidize over time due to a chemical reaction with hydrogen sulfide in the air, as well as sulfur compounds that may be present on the skin, in water, or in other substances.

Patina can give silver jewelry character, adding depth and texture that some people find appealing. However, for those who prefer to keep their silver looking clean and shiny, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.

• Perfumes and cosmetics: Certain chemicals found in perfumes, creams, and deodorants can react with silver, causing it to oxidize or lose its shine. It's strongly recommended to apply cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• Water exposure: Water — especially chlorinated or saltwater — can accelerate silver oxidation, leading to discoloration or the formation of patina on the surface.
• Cleaning agents: Some household cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can damage silver or alter its color.

Gold plated jewelry

Galvanic coatings used in jewelry, such as gold plating or rhodium plating, typically range from 1 to 2 microns in thickness. The thickest coatings on the market — known as standard gold vermeil (like all of our products) — measure 3–4 microns. It’s important to remember that these are still delicate layers and should be handled with care.

• Perfumes and cosmetics: Chemicals found in perfumes, creams, and deodorants can react with silver, leading to oxidation or dullness. We strongly recommend applying cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• Water exposure: Water — especially chlorinated or saltwater — can speed up the oxidation process, causing discoloration or the appearance of patina on the surface.
• Cleaning products: Some household cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can damage silver or alter its color.

Silver Jewelry and Exposure to Chemicals and Cosmetics

Cosmetics and household chemicals can have various effects on silver jewelry. Here are a few factors that may influence the condition and appearance of silver:

• Perfumes and cosmetics: Certain chemicals found in perfumes, creams, and deodorants can react with silver, leading to oxidation or a dull finish. It’s strongly recommended to apply any cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• Water exposure: Water — especially chlorinated or saltwater — can accelerate the oxidation process, resulting in discoloration or the formation of patina on the surface.
• Cleaning agents: Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach, which can damage silver and alter its color or finish.

Mechanical Damage

It's important to remember that silver jewelry is susceptible to mechanical damage. Silver is a relatively soft metal and doesn't offer the same durability as steel or titanium. For this reason, it should be handled with appropriate care.

• Perfumes and cosmetics: Certain chemicals found in perfumes, creams, and deodorants can react with silver, leading to oxidation or dullness. We strongly recommend applying cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• It’s also completely normal for rings and delicate signet designs to become slightly misshapen over time. After a few years of wear, you might notice your ring has taken on a more oval shape — a natural result of everyday use.

Summary

Regular care and gentle use are key to keeping silver jewelry in excellent condition. Remember to clean it, prevent oxidation, and maintain it regularly to enjoy its beauty for many years to come.

Our jewelry is covered by a Lifetime Warranty, which includes a complimentary restoration service. If you feel it's time for a more thorough silver renewal and home care isn't quite enough, don't hesitate to reach out to us!