Sterling Silver Product Care

Keeping your sterling silver jewelry looking its best can be easier than many think. Due to the immutable laws of physics all sterling silver will tarnish with time. The tarnish is the result of oxidation in which either sulfur or oxygen bond chemically with the silver or other metals in the alloy taking your jewelry from lustrous shine to dark and dull. There are a few simple things to keep in mind to help mitigate this oxidation process.

Chemicals: will quickly oxidize your jewelry. Swimming in pools, lounging in hot tubs, wearing sunscreen and cleaning your home are all things that could leave you with dull and darkened sterling. The best way to avoid these hazards is to take any silver items off before doing anything that involves chemicals. We also recommend that you apply any beauty products such as hairspray or perfume before putting on your jewelry. 

Antiquing: is part of the artistic process for many of our items. It involves using potassium sulfide to quickly tarnish the pieces. We then polish them which removes the tarnish from all of the raised areas leaving the recesses darkened to bring out details you wouldn't otherwise see. It is important that you do not use a tarnish removal method that strips away this antiquing as it will change the look of the piece.

Storage: good storage practices is one way to keep your silver items shiny. We recommend placing your pieces in airtight plastic bags and storing them in cool dry places when you aren't wearing them. This will help limit your items exposure to tarnishing elements. 

Polishing: is the best way to remove unwanted tarnish. We recommend you use a polishing cloth specific for the purpose of polishing silver. Light pressure and circular motion is often enough to remove most tarnish. Liquid polish is not recommended on our jewelry as it will remove antiquing and if it dries in the crevices, it can be difficult to scrub out. Abrasives of any kind may damage the surface of your jewelry and should not be used.