Caring for Your Silver and Turquoise Jewelry: Tips for Everyday Wear

As a silversmith, I make each piece by hand with love, care, and a lot of attention to detail. That means your jewelry is designed to be worn, enjoyed, and cherished but because sterling silver and natural stones like turquoise are living materials in their own way, they need a little extra love.

Sterling Silver: A Soft, Beautiful Metal

Sterling silver is a classic, timeless material, but it’s naturally soft. That means over time your jewelry may develop light scratches, nicks, or a gentle patina. In my opinion, these aren't flaws, but are instead signs and stories of life in your jewelry, reminders that it’s being worn and loved.

If your silver starts to look dull or scratched, don’t worry! I can always recondition silver pieces, restoring them to a bright, polished finish. It’s part of my commitment to helping your jewelry last a lifetime. If I made it, I can fix it! Heck, even if I didn't make it, I'm happy to give repairs a shot!

Turquoise and Natural Stones: Gentle Care is Key

Turquoise is a soft, natural stone, and many of the ones I use are stabilized to protect their integrity. Even so, it’s best to treat turquoise with care: avoid prolonged contact with water, harsh chemicals, lotions, and perfumes.

Other natural stones also benefit from gentle handling. Because no two stones are exactly alike, variations in color, pattern, and matrix are natural and part of what makes your piece one-of-a-kind.

Everyday Care Tips

To help your silver and turquoise jewelry stay beautiful:

-Store pieces in a dry place when not wearing

-Keep items separated to avoid scratching

-Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, or heavy activity

-Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing

-If you find that your jewelry is extra grimy, a quick and gentle scrub with some dawn dish soap, warm water and extra soft toothbrush will clean gently yet effectively. 

For extra convenience and care, I offer Sunshine Polishing Cloths. These are handy, high-quality cloths that safely polish silver and keep it bright without harsh chemicals. These can be added to any order or purchased on their own, making it easy to maintain your pieces at home. They make quick work of tarnish but avoid using them on stones as they are abrasive! 

Make It a Habit

The best care is simple: wear your jewelry, enjoy it, and give it a little love when you can. Regular use and occasional polishing will keep your sterling silver bright and your stones looking their best. And if you ever need a deeper refresh, I’m here to recondition silver pieces so they look like new.

Every mark, bit of patina, is a part of your story and adds character to your pieces. With a little care, your pieces can be worn now, cherished for years, and even passed down for generations.