Jewelry Care

Understanding Sterling Silver

Sterling silver, a real silver alloy, has existed for centuries, with origins tracing back to the 12th century in Europe. It was developed to address the limitations of pure silver, which was too soft for practical use in jewelry, coins, and utensils. By alloying 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% harder metals, typically copper, sterling silver gains the durability needed for everyday wear. Pieces crafted from sterling silver are easily identified by the '925' hallmark, signifying their composition. Renowned for its balance of beauty, strength, and affordability, sterling silver remains a favorite in the jewelry market.

The most common issue with sterling silver is tarnishing, a surface phenomenon resulting in discoloration due to the formation of silver sulfide. This process occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the environment. While copper in sterling silver can also react with sulfur, the primary cause of tarnishing  is formation of silver sulfide. Humidity accelerates this reaction by facilitating the movement of sulfur compounds, making tarnishing more likely in damp conditions. Everyday substances, such as perfumes, lotions, sweat, and cleaning agents, often contain sulfur or chloride compounds that can speed up the tarnishing process. The rate at which your silver jewelry tarnishes depends on exposure to sulfur compounds, humidity levels, and environmental pollutants. Proper care and handling can help minimize these effects and preserve the beauty and integrity of your jewelry.

Care Instructions for Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated Jewelry

Showering:  While it's generally safe to expose sterling silver to water and mild soap during cleaning, wearing sterling silver in the shower regularly is discouraged. Showers subject jewelry to prolonged moisture, steam, and chemicals present in soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. These factors can accelerate tarnishing and cause the silver to lose its shine and develop a dull appearance. If worn in the shower, dry your jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth to reduce the risk of tarnishing and maintain its shine.

Put Jewelry on Last: Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver jewelry can help prevent tarnish buildup, as the natural oils in your skin act as a protective layer, keeping the silver shiny. To avoid exposing your jewelry to makeup, perfumes, or hair products—which can accumulate on the surface and dull its appearance over time—always put on your jewelry after completing your beauty routine. Preferably, allow these products to dry completely before wearing your jewelry to minimize potential damage.

Saltwater and Chlorine: Saltwater and chlorine can cause corrosion and structural damage to sterling silver. To prevent this, avoid wearing your jewelry while swimming in the ocean or pools. If exposure occurs, rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly to minimize potential harm.

Sweat and Exercise: Sweat won’t immediately damage sterling silver, but prolonged exposure to sweat during exercise can lead to tarnishing. To minimize this, wipe your jewelry clean with a soft cloth after workouts.

Regular Cleaning: Wipe your jewelry regularly with a soft, lint-free polishing cloth to remove oils, dirt, and tarnish. Occasionally, clean your jewelry with mild dish soap and warm water to maintain its shine and prevent tarnish buildup.

Handle with Care: Always be gentle with your jewelry, especially pieces with stones or intricate designs. This will help maintain their beauty and structure over time.