Oxidized Silver Care

Caring for oxidized sterling silver

Oxidation gives silver its dark, distinctive surface. With wear, raised edges and areas that touch skin or clothing may gradually become lighter. This changing patina is a natural part of wearing the piece.

Everyday care

After wearing, gently wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Store it separately in a dry pouch or jewellery box to help limit scratches and contact with moisture. Put jewellery on after applying perfume or other personal-care products, and remove it before swimming or cleaning.

What to avoid

Avoid silver-cleaning dips, abrasive cleaners and vigorous polishing: they can remove or unevenly lighten the darkened surface. Take extra care around stones, inlays and delicate details, and seek professional advice before using any cleaning solution.

If you prefer a darker finish

If the patina has lightened more than you like, ask a jeweller experienced with oxidized silver to assess whether re-darkening is suitable for your piece. Avoid trying chemical treatments at home, particularly on jewellery with stones or mixed materials. Results and suitability depend on the design and its condition.

When to ask a jeweller

Have a jeweller assess loose stones, damaged settings, bent parts or a failing clasp before wearing the piece again. For deep scratches or significant changes to the finish, ask what any proposed polishing or refinishing would do to the oxidation before proceeding.

Handmade character

Hand-finished details and the depth of oxidation can vary slightly from piece to piece. Your jewellery may not look identical to a photograph, and its surface will continue to develop with wear.

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