How to Care for Your Fine Silver
What Makes Fine Silver Different
The pieces in this collection are made from .999 pure fine silver, the purest form of silver available. Most jewelry you encounter is sterling silver (.925), which contains copper and other alloys added to increase hardness. Fine silver contains none of those additions, which gives it a distinctly brighter, whiter appearance and a softer, more luminous quality that sterling simply cannot replicate.
Because fine silver is elemental, meaning it is a single, pure metal with nothing mixed in, it behaves differently than sterling in a few important ways. It is softer, which means it can pick up small surface marks over time if knocked against hard surfaces. It is also more reactive to environmental factors than sterling, which means it can tarnish more readily depending on your individual skin chemistry, the products you use, and the environment you are in. This is not a flaw. It is the nature of a pure, living metal, and it is part of what makes fine silver so special.
If you are unfamiliar with the properties of .999 fine silver, taking a moment to research the material before purchasing is encouraged. It rewards attentive care and is best suited for those who appreciate its distinct character. By purchasing, you acknowledge that you understand these natural characteristics. Surface changes that occur through normal wear, including tarnishing and minor patina development, are an expected part of owning fine silver and are not considered defects.
Why Fine Silver Tarnishes
It is worth noting that much of the silver jewelry sold today, including many sterling silver pieces, is coated with rhodium plating. Rhodium is a hard, bright metal that acts as a barrier between the silver and the environment, which is why mass-produced silver jewelry often stays shiny with very little maintenance. If you own other silver pieces that seem to resist tarnishing effortlessly, there is a good chance they are rhodium plated.
The pieces in this collection are not plated. They are solid .999 pure fine silver through and through, with no coatings, no barriers, and no shortcuts. This means the metal you are wearing is exactly what it appears to be, and it will interact with your environment as pure silver naturally does.
Tarnishing occurs when silver reacts to sulfur-containing compounds in the environment. These can come from many sources including skin oils, sweat, lotions, perfumes, hand soaps, hand sanitizers, chlorine, humidity, and airborne compounds in certain environments. Because fine silver is so pure, it can react more quickly and more visibly than sterling silver, and the rate varies significantly from person to person based on individual body chemistry.
Tarnish affects all exposed surfaces of the metal, not just where it contacts skin, because environmental factors are present in the air around you. This is completely normal and completely reversible.
Daily Wear
- Put on lotions, perfumes, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry to minimize direct contact with the metal
- Remove your piece before swimming in chlorinated pools, soaking in hot springs, or using harsh cleaning products
- Fine silver is pure metal and will not peel or fade like plated jewelry. It is a solid, lasting material
Cleaning and Polishing
Routine care: After each wear, gently wipe your piece with the Sunshine polishing cloth included with your order. This removes skin oils and surface residue before they have a chance to dull the metal.
When tarnish appears: Mix a small amount of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Gently work it over the tarnished areas with your fingers or a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely. You can also place the piece on a sheet of aluminum foil (shiny side up), sprinkle baking soda over it, and pour boiling water on top. The tarnish will transfer chemically from the silver to the foil within a minute or two.
For a deeper clean: Weiman Silver Cream works beautifully on fine silver and will restore the metal to its brightest shine.
For pieces with stones: Use a soft toothbrush and a small amount of mild dish soap to gently clear dust and residue from around the setting. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storage
Store your piece in the pouch provided or in an airtight container, away from humidity, direct sunlight, and contact with other metals. Proper storage between wears is one of the simplest ways to keep your piece looking its best.
A Note on Handcrafted Work
These pieces are hand-sculpted individually in my studio, not mass-produced or made by machine. No two are exactly alike, and slight natural variations are part of what makes your piece uniquely yours.
If you ever have questions about caring for your silver, reach out at danielle@ingavaughn.com. I am always happy to help.
