Silver Materials and Care

925 Sterling Silver: What It Means

All of our silver jewellery is crafted from 925 sterling silver — the global standard for fine silver. The number 925 refers to the metal's composition: 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% other metals (typically copper) to add strength and durability. Pure silver (999) is too soft for everyday jewellery, which is why 925 is the industry benchmark.

The 925 Hallmark

Genuine 925 sterling silver is stamped with a hallmark — typically "925", "S925", or "Sterling" — directly on the piece. This stamp is your assurance of metal quality. If you have a question about a specific piece, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Understanding Tarnish

Tarnish is a natural process that affects all sterling silver. It occurs when silver reacts with moisture, oxygen, and sulfur compounds in the air or on your skin. You may notice your piece developing a slightly darker or yellowish tone over time — this is completely normal and not a sign of poor quality. In fact, some wearers appreciate the "antiqued" look tarnish can create.

Factors that can speed up tarnishing include:

  • Exposure to perfume, lotion, hairspray, or cleaning products
  • Humid environments (bathrooms, pools, hot tubs)
  • Sweat and skin chemistry
  • Leaving jewellery out in open air for long periods

Cleaning Your Silver Jewellery

Keeping your sterling silver bright is straightforward with a few simple steps:

  • Gentle soap and water: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Gently rub with a soft cloth or soft-bristle toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
  • Polishing cloth: A jeweller's polishing cloth is ideal for light tarnish and restoring shine between deeper cleans. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch.
  • Baking soda paste (for heavier tarnish): Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, gently rub onto the silver with a soft cloth, rinse well, and dry completely.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, ammonia, toothpaste, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the metal and any plated finishes.

Storage Tips

Proper storage goes a long way in preventing tarnish and keeping your jewellery looking its best:

  • Store pieces in an airtight bag or box when not wearing them.
  • Keep each piece separately to prevent scratching.
  • Add an anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box to absorb moisture and sulfur in the air.
  • Store away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.

Everyday Wear Advice

To get the most out of your silver jewellery:

  • Put jewellery on last when getting ready — after perfume, lotion, and hairspray.
  • Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, or doing household chores.
  • Wipe pieces down with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and moisture.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions about your jewellery's materials, care, or craftsmanship, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us and our team will be happy to assist.