Jewelry Care

All of my jewelry is made using 100% sterling silver!

Sterling silver is a hypoallergenic precious metal made with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. 

Sterling silver is a gorgeous metal that can last a lifetime with the proper care! However, just like all precious metals, sterling silver will tarnish over time, and may tarnish faster under certain conditions. Luckily, tarnish is easily removable and preventable!

What is tarnish? - Tarnish is a layer of silver sulfur that forms on the outermost layer of sterling silver (and other precious metals) as a result of a chemical reaction called oxidation. Oxidation occurs where your jewelry is exposed to sulfur-containing chemicals in the air, and moisture. Tarnish often presents as yellow, grey, or eventually, a black film which coats the outermost layer of your jewelry. 

To prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing, please follow these simple care instructions: 

1) Wear your jewelry often - Believe it or not, the natural body oils in our skin are wonderful agents in preventing tarnish! One of the easiest ways to keep your jewelry looking shiny and new is to simply wear your jewelry as often as possible, as opposed to letting it sit in your jewelry box unworn. 

2) Remove your jewelry before engaging in physical activities (working out, cleaning, running, hiking, swimming, sleeping, and bathing) - Tarnish is more likely to occur faster and darker when your jewelry is exposed to sulfur-containing or acidic chemicals. This includes household cleaners, body sprays and lotions, hair sprays, chlorine in pools and hot tubs, shampoo and conditioner, deodorants, and various soaps. Consider putting your jewelry on as the last step in your morning routine to avoid contact with unwanted chemicals that may be in your beauty care products. Additionally, salt (ocean) water and body sweat are also acidic agents that may cause your jewelry to tarnish. Removing your jewelry before engaging in activities that will expose it to chemical or acidic agents will greatly prevent tarnish! If your jewelry does come in contact with any of these agents, simply use warm water to gently rinse your jewelry and then pat dry with a towel or polishing cloth.

3) Frequently clean your jewelry with a polishing cloth - I provide all of my customers with a polishing cloth that can be used to clean your jewelry. Gently clean your jewelry as often as possible to avoid and prevent tarnish. 

4) Store your jewelry in a dry, cool place (preferably in a sealed bag) - Again, moisture and air are the main causes of tarnish. If you keep your jewelry in a sealed bag, pouch, or jewelry box, the oxidation process is slowed down and therefore your jewelry is less likely to tarnish. I provide all of my customers with a 1”x1” black anti-tarnish strip that can be placed into whatever your use to store your jewelry to help prevent tarnish! 

5) Remove your jewelry before sleeping - For your jewelry’s safety and your own safety, always remove your jewelry before bedtime! 

How to remove tarnish:

If your jewelry does begin to tarnish, don’t panic! Tarnish is again simply a layer of silver surfer that forms on the outermost layer of precious metals, and can be easily removed! If your jewelry is only slightly tarnished, a polishing cloth will easily remove it. Sometimes warm water may also be needed. If your jewelry is still tarnished after following these steps, you may need to pickle it. Pickle is a liquid compound that you can either buy or make at home. To make your own pickle, simply combine 1/2 a cup of white vinegar and 2 tbsps of baking soda. Rub the mixture onto your jewelry using either your fingers or a soft towel until tarnish is no longer visible! 

How to clean sea glass: 

Sometimes, tarnish can cause the sea glass in your jewelry to discolor. To clean the sea glass, gently rub a drop of baby oil onto the glass. Using baby oil every so often on your sea glass is also great if you prefer your sea glass to have that glossy or ‘wet’ look, compared to it’s naturally frosted look. If you prefer your sea glass to remain frosted, as some sea glass fanatics might, don’t worry, the glossiness of baby oil is not permanent and your glass will frost over again soon! 

Note: Due to the small amount of copper in sterling silver, there is a small change that your sterling silver jewelry could turn your skin green, although rare. Skin discoloration from sterling silver is not at all harmful, and can be removed by washing your hands with soap and water. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to sterling silver - by following all jewelry care instructions, both tarnish and skin discoloration can be prevented!

If you have any further questions about how to care for your jewelry, please do not hesitate to reach out via my ‘contact page’