Over time, all silver jewelry will naturally develop a patina—this is completely normal and part of its character. While tarnishing is inevitable, proper care will help keep your piece looking radiant for years to come.
If your jewelry includes gemstones, a little extra attention will ensure they stay vibrant and secure.
Tips to keep your silver jewelry beautiful:
- Wear It Often – Your skin’s natural oils help slow down tarnishing, so don’t be afraid to wear your jewelry regularly. (We want you to love it so much you never want to take it off)
- Store It Safely – Keep your piece in a soft pouch or jewelry box when not in use to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Take off your jewelry before swimming, showering, or using household cleaners, as chemicals can speed up tarnishing.
- Polish When Needed – A soft polishing cloth or a gentle silver cleaner can restore shine and remove tarnish. Avoid anything abrasive.
- Keep It Dry – Water and humidity can accelerate tarnish, so dry your jewelry thoroughly if it gets wet.
- Handle With Care – Store each piece separately to prevent scratches and damage.
Tarnish is simply part of silver’s natural aging process, and in many cases, it adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the piece. Some of my designs even feature a carefully applied patina to enhance details, create depth, and highlight their handcrafted characteristics. Embracing this natural evolution can make your jewelry even more stunning over time!
With every purchase, you'll receive a complimentary polishing cloth to help keep your jewelry looking its best. If your piece begins to tarnish and you prefer a brilliant shine, simply use the cloth to gently buff the surface—watch the tarnish disappear in moments. For optimal results, I recommend polishing your jewelry about once a month. Regular care will maintain its beauty and ensure it shines for years to come.
Caring for Gemstones
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Many gemstones are sensitive to chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents. Always put jewelry on last after applying any products.
- Gentle Cleaning Only – Use a soft, damp cloth to clean gemstones. Avoid silver polishing dips or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage softer stones.
- Watch for Scratches – Some stones, like opals and turquoise, are softer and can scratch easily. Store them separately from harder stones like diamonds and sapphires.
- Protect from Extreme Conditions – Direct sunlight, heat, and sudden temperature changes can affect certain gemstones, causing fading or cracks over time.
- If you've purchased a design with an opal, please avoid getting the opal wet, or activities like gardening or sports while wearing it. Opals are soft and delicate. They scratch easily and can sometimes get cloudy with contact to most liquids.
For Brass Jewelry:
Does Brass Jewelry Tarnish?
Curious if brass jewelry holds its shine? Let’s clear that up.
At Cadillac Summit Silver, we love brass for its effortless style and affordability. Yet some hesitate, worried it might rust or lose its charm. Here’s the scoop: brass doesn’t rust—thanks to its corrosion-resistant makeup—but it can develop a tarnished patina over time.
Since brass blends copper and zinc, when it meets oxygen—and your natural skin oils—it gradually darkens. Many wearers actually appreciate the patina’s rich, antique character; it’s like wearing a story on your skin. But if you have super-sensitive skin, you might notice a greenish tint—that’s just copper reacting to moisture and air.
How to Keep Your Brass Looking Beautiful
Brass shouldn’t hold you back—it’s meant to be worn. Here’s how to keep it gleaming:
- Ditch the moisture. Don’t wear brass in the shower, pool, or while washing dishes.
- Rinse & dry after soapy chores—moisture accelerates tarnish.
- Skip contact with perfumes, lotions, and outdoor elements.
- Store smartly in airtight, anti-tarnish bags—push out air and tuck them away for safe keeping.
Already Tarnished? Try These Home Fixes
Don’t worry—brass can be beautiful again. Try these easy at-home polishes:
1. Gentle Soap & Water
Preserve that soft patina: soak for 10–15 minutes in warm, soapy water, brush gently, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
2. Plain Toothpaste
Spread a dab of non-gel toothpaste on the brass, wait 5–10 minutes, scrub lightly, rinse, and dry. Shine restored.
3. Flour, Salt & Vinegar Paste
For deeper tarnish: mix ½ cup vinegar and a teaspoon of salt, stir in 2 Tbsp flour. Apply the paste, let sit 10 minutes, rinse and dry.
4. Lemon & Salt Rub
Ideal for light tarnish—rub a lemon half dipped in salt, scrub with a brush if needed, rinse, and dry.
5. Ketchup Trick
Yes, ketchup! Dab a little onto the metal, wipe, or let soak for 5–10 minutes for tough spots. Rinse and dry to reveal brightness.
By following these care tips, my handmade jewelry will stay radiant, ensuring each piece remains a timeless treasure!
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