As a brand dedicated to custom sterling silver jewelry, the questions we hear most often are: "Why has my silver turned black?" and "How do I keep it shining?"

The beauty of sterling silver lies in its signature moonlit luster — but it does oxidize over time. More importantly, polished and plated finishes require completely different care approaches. Using the wrong method can actually accelerate damage. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for both.

1. Understanding Your Silver First

The sterling silver we use is typically S925 (92.5% silver), with the remaining 7.5% composed of copper and other metals that add structural strength. Silver's biggest enemy is sulfur — found in sweat, cosmetics, and airborne compounds — which reacts with silver to form black silver sulfide. That's the science behind tarnishing. Preventing oxidation is the foundation of all silver care.

The surface finish determines your anti-oxidation strategy:

• Polished finish: Pure silver exposed directly, with no coating. It has the most authentic, luminous silver glow — but without a protective layer, it tarnishes more easily. It also gives you the opportunity to develop a beautiful vintage patina over time.
• Plated finish: A protective layer (such as rhodium/platinum, 18K gold, or rose gold) is electroplated over the sterling silver base. This delays oxidation and adds color variety — but the plating is susceptible to wear. Once worn through, the underlying silver will oxidize.

2. Universal Care Rules (For Both Polished and Plated)

Good habits prevent 90% of damage:

1. "Last on, first off" rule: Put jewelry on after applying makeup, perfume, sunscreen, and hairspray. Remove it before showering, swimming, or heavy exercise. Chemicals and sweat are oxidation accelerators.
2. Avoid impact and friction: Sterling silver is relatively soft. Wear pieces separately and store each in its own velvet pouch — never toss them together where they can scratch each other.
3. Keep it dry: After any contact with moisture, immediately pat dry with a soft cotton cloth. Do not rub.
4. Seal for storage: When not wearing a piece for an extended period, place it in the provided resealable bag with as much air squeezed out as possible to minimize oxidation.

3. Caring for Polished Silver: Embrace the Natural Aging Process

Polished pieces are beloved by those who appreciate pure silver's natural character. You can let it develop a rich, antique patina — or restore it to a bright shine whenever you like. Polished silver is more forgiving to care for, but technique still matters.

Restoring Shine Day-to-Day

• Silver polishing cloth (recommended): Use the included polishing cloth to wipe in one direction. The micro-abrasive compounds in the cloth restore silver's luster. The cloth turning black is completely normal — never wash it with water.
• Silver polishing stick (for mirror surfaces): For minor scratches or stubborn tarnish, gently buff with the smooth side of a polishing stick to restore a mirror finish. Use with caution on matte or brushed textures, as it may alter the surface.

Deep Cleaning (Occasional Use Only)

For heavily tarnished pieces, the baking soda foil method is the gentlest option: line a bowl with aluminum foil, place the silver jewelry inside, sprinkle with baking soda and salt, then pour in boiling water. You'll see bubbles carry away the tarnish. Once the water cools, remove the piece, rinse with clean water, and pat dry — it will look brand new.

⚠️ Cautions

• Silver dip solutions: Use sparingly. They work fast but are mildly corrosive — they can whiten fine details and dull matte finishes. Never use on pieces with gemstones or special textures. If you do use one, limit immersion to under 5 seconds and rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Toothpaste: Use with caution. Some toothpastes contain coarse particles that can cause micro-scratches and dull the surface. Not recommended for regular use.

4. Caring for Plated Silver: Handle with Gentleness, Protect the Plating

For plated pieces — rhodium, gold, or rose gold — the key to lasting beauty is one core principle: protect the plating from abrasion.

✅ Correct Cleaning

• Water and a soft cloth is enough: For light dirt, dampen a microfiber cloth with clean water and gently dab or wipe in one direction to remove sweat and dust. Immediately dry with a soft cloth.
• Mild soap for grease: For oily residue, use a very diluted neutral soap solution on a soft cloth, wipe gently, then clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not soak.

❌ Absolute Don'ts

• Never use polishing cloths, polishing sticks, or buffing pads: These contain abrasives that act like sandpaper on plating — they will thin and eventually wear through the layer, exposing the silver beneath and causing widespread tarnishing.
• Never use silver dip, baking soda boiling, or any chemical reduction method: These will corrode and damage the plating, causing discoloration or peeling.
• Avoid hard surface friction: Be mindful of rings rubbing against desks, keyboards, and other surfaces during daily wear.

The lifespan of plating depends on your wearing habits and skin chemistry. Even when the plating eventually wears, you can embrace the natural sterling silver beneath — or contact us for a professional re-plating service to restore your piece to its original glory.

5. Common Myths — Answered

Q: My polished silver turned black. Is it fake?
A: Quite the opposite — only real silver sulfidizes and turns black. Fake silver (alloys or base metals with other coatings) typically doesn't tarnish this way.

Q: My gold-plated piece is turning black. What do I do?
A: This usually means the underlying silver is oxidizing through worn areas of the plating. Do not use a polishing cloth — it will only expose more silver. We recommend professional re-plating, or polishing it back to its natural silver finish.

Q: Is wearing jewelry every day the best way to care for it?
A: Partly true. The natural oils from your skin provide some protection for polished silver — but wipe it down regularly if you sweat. Plated pieces require more caution; minimize daily friction to extend the plating's life.

Every handcrafted sterling silver piece carries the warmth of time and intention. Whether you love the living, evolving glow of polished silver or the enduring brilliance of a plated finish — care for it in the way it needs, and that beautiful light will stay with you for years to come.

If you're ever unsure about the condition of your jewelry, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to take a look and recommend the best care approach for your piece.