Jewelry is meant to be worn, and I think there’s something beautiful about the way a piece changes as it becomes part of your everyday.

Sterling silver, bronze, brass, and gold will naturally develop a patina over time. How quickly that happens depends on your skin, your environment, how often you wear your piece, and all the little places it goes. I love the softness and character that comes with a well-worn piece, but when you’re missing that freshly polished glow, a little care will bring it right back.

A few simple rituals

Keep things dry.
Water, humidity, chlorine, sulphur, lotions, perfumes, and everyday products can speed up tarnishing and affect natural stones. Take your jewelry off before showering, swimming, soaking in a hot spring, or doing anything particularly messy.

Give it a little home.
When you aren't wearing your jewelry, tuck it somewhere cool and dry. Keeping silver in the pouch it arrived in with its anti-tarnish tab will help slow oxidation and keep it looking lovely between wears.

Be gentle with your stones.
Natural stones are beautiful little pieces of the earth, but they're not indestructible. Turquoise in particular is porous and can change with exposure to water, oils, lotions, perfumes, and chemicals.

I think some of that change is part of the beauty of owning natural-stone jewelry, but a little care goes a long way. Take stone-set pieces off for gardening, hiking, swimming, bathing, or other adventures where they might meet something harder than they are.

Bringing back the shine

Every piece comes with a polishing cloth for those moments when your silver is looking a little less bright. But it would be absolutely worth your while to invest in a SUNSHINE CLOTH. I use this cloth in my studio daily, and it is one of the best purchases you could make to keep ALL your wares in good shape.

Gently rub your ware with your cloth until its glow begins to return. Take your time around intentionally oxidized details and avoid rubbing the surface of natural stones.

And despite what the internet may tell you, please leave the toothpaste, baking soda, lemon juice, and other kitchen-counter concoctions in the kitchen. They can be abrasive or acidic and may permanently damage natural stones and certain finishes.

A simple polishing cloth is usually all your piece needs.

Bringing Back a Matte or Satin Finish

If your piece originally had a soft matte or satin finish, everyday wear will naturally tarnish or begin to polish the surface over time, especially on the little high points that get the most love.

To bring that softly brushed finish back, gently work over the silver with a very fine abrasive pad or fine steel wool or 3 M Scotch-Brite, moving in one consistent direction and using a light hand. A little goes a long way.

Be especially careful around natural stones, intentionally darkened details, and delicate textures. Avoid brushing directly over stones, as even something that feels soft can scratch or dull their surface.

The goal isn’t perfection. A satin finish is meant to feel soft, organic, and a little lived-in, so don't worry about making every mark the same.

And if you'd rather not do it yourself, you're always welcome to reach out. I'm happy to help bring your piece back to its original finish.

A little note about patina

Not every darkened nook or softened surface needs to be polished away.

Many of my pieces are intentionally oxidized to bring out texture and tiny details. Over time, that finish will shift alongside the natural patina of the metal. High points may become brighter, recessed areas may remain darker, and the piece slowly becomes distinctly yours.

I think that's one of the loveliest things about jewelry made by hand.

Wear it. Love it. Let it gather a little life.

And when it needs a little extra care, I'm always happy to help.