Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy (other metals) which includes but is not limited to copper and nickel.  We source different manufacturers around the country; they guarantee their jewelry is 92.5% sterling silver quality or better.  They each decide how to finish their jewelry, however, which may include plating their jewelry with 99.9% silver which gives it a high polish look.  This process is commonly referred to as flashing.  Some of the platers will plate the piece with copper or nickel before plating with 99.9% silver to help it hold.  One of the main reasons manufacturers’ plate pieces is to restore the even, consistent color lost as a result of “fire scale”.  Fire scale is a discoloration caused as a result of heat produced when soldering findings onto the jewelry.  Other common plating methods are done with gold, rhodium and anti-tarnish plating.

Silver in its pure 99.9% form will not tarnish.  Unfortunately, it’s too soft to use for jewelry.  Sterling silver does tarnish due to the natural process of the alloy metals oxidizing in it from chemicals in the air.  Other things that will cause sterling silver to oxidize faster include, but are not limited to: rubber bands, latex gloves and wool.  A high humidity environment will accelerate tarnishing.

Like all fine jewelry, sterling silver should be handled carefully.  Preventive maintenance is the easiest way to keep your sterling silver looking great.  Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, hairspray, cosmetics, perfume and perspiration.  Also, keep it out of direct sunlight when possible.  When not being used we suggest you wrap it in tissue paper and seal it in a polyurethane bag.  Washing your sterling silver jewelry periodically with mild dish soap and warm water will help prevent tarnishing.  Be sure to rinse well, removing all soap residue and DRY COMPLETELY with a soft cloth before storing.  Frequent light polishing with a polishing cloth will minimize tarnishing also.  Tarnish is easiest to remove when first evident (generally a yellowish tint), however it becomes harder to remove as it turns brown and eventually black, at which point it requires harsher chemicals that can harm your jewelry, or a professional jeweler to remove.

You should NEVER use abrasive cleaners, such as toothpaste, to clean your sterling silver, as it will damage it.