How to Care for Your Jewelry

You've treated yourself to something beautiful, perhaps even started a small collection—but do you know how to properly care for your jewelry?

Most of our jewelry is made from sterling silver, specifically Ag 925/1000. Silver is a metal that naturally oxidizes over time. Oxidation, or the darkening of silver jewelry—including gold-plated pieces—is not a manufacturing defect. It is a natural chemical reaction caused by exposure to various compounds, especially sulfur in the air, as well as chemicals found in medications, cosmetics, detergents, and household cleaning products. Dusty environments can also contribute to oxidation.

In most cases, oxidation appears as a blackened surface on the jewelry. While silver remains more stable in dry, clean air, humid conditions accelerate oxidation. The speed of oxidation can also be influenced by factors such as skin type and the substances silver comes into contact with. The good news is that oxidation is not irreversible—silver can be easily and quickly cleaned with a special jewelry cleaning cloth, available on our e-shop or at most jewelry stores. You can also use silver cleaning solutions, but we do not recommend them for jewelry containing pearls, coral, any gemstones or minerals, or leather or fabric components. Even gold-plated silver jewelry can oxidize over time.

How to Protect Jewelry from Oxidation and Damage

Wearing your jewelry frequently can actually help prevent oxidation, as it is naturally polished by contact with your skin and clothing. However, if you store silver jewelry in a jewelry box for an extended period, it is likely to oxidize.

When storing jewelry, it is best to wipe it with a dry, soft cloth to remove any dirt, sweat, or oils.

Jewelry boxes are not ideal for long-term storage of unworn pieces. Unworn jewelry should be protected from air and humidity. Most jewelry boxes are made of cardboard and contain foam inserts that can absorb moisture from the air, accelerating oxidation. We recommend storing jewelry individually in small, resealable plastic bags after cleaning.