How To Care 925 Sterling Silver Shell Jewelry

Our exquisite collection of sterling silver jewelry is made from Sterling Silver 925. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The copper gives the alloy strength while maintaining it's malleable properties with the high precious metal content. It is the malleable property of silver, or it's ductility, that makes it an easy metal to work with. This means it can be easily formed and shaped into the beautiful designs that you can see in our collection.  Our wonderful collection of Sterling Silver jewelry incorporates different types of sea shell. The Segments of shell are cut according to the design of the piece and then inlaid into the sterling silver. Principally, our collection incorporates Shiva eye shell, abalone shell, mother-of-pearl, red coral and South African turban shell.  Once you have purchased your gorgeous item of sterling silver shell jewelry from She Rich Seashells you will no doubt want to maintain it to its original appearance as much as possible.  We are sure that many of you have other pieces of sterling silver shell jewelry that have lost their original look and discolored over time. This discoloration or tarnish is caused by storing your sterling silver in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time. This tarnishing is a natural process that is a chemical reaction in the air called oxidation.  It first appears as a golden hue on the sterling silver and progressively turns to black. To reduce tarnish and keep your sterling silver jewelry looking like new for longer periods it is recommended that you store them away when not wearing them. 

However, the best way is to wear your jewelry to help prevent tarnish!  Over time oxidation reactions can occur in silver jewelry, especially with sulfur and oxygen, causing silver to become tarnished.  Wearing and handling will slow the oxidation process and keep your silver polished, shiny and beautiful.  It will eventually develop a beautiful silver patina.  Enjoy wearing your jewelry - don't keep it tucked away just for special occasions!

Use a polishing cloth.  One of the best ways to clean your jewelry is with a professional jewelry polishing cloth. The cloth is treated with cleaning chemicals and not only will the cloth last a long time; it will give you an amazing shine each and every time. Silver polishing cloths are available at major supermarkets, at hardware stores and at jewelry stores. These cloths are impregnated with cleaner and have anti tarnish properties and are excellent for bringing silver to a perfect shine.  We do not recommend silver dips or liquid cleaners as our jewelry incorporates natural shells, mother of pearl which can be easily damaged by these harsh chemicals.  

Remember that shell is less robust than some gemstones and therefore might not be suited to heavy every day wearing.  To keep shell jewelry looking great a simple care routing is all that is required.

·  Regularly wipe the shell with a soft 100% cotton cloth; this will help to keep it free from dust and dirt that may spoil the shine of the shell.

·  Avoid getting hairspray or perfume on the shell as this might mark it.  Minerals spas are great - just remove your silver shell jewelry before you jump in! Please don't ever wear your jewelry in a mineral spa - your jewelry will turn very black.

· Store correctly to minimize tarnish and scratches! Another tip is to keep your individual pieces in a small air-tight protective bag as well as separate compartments in your jewelry box.  Sterling silver reacts natural to air and moisture and will tarnish over time.  Keeping your precious jewelry in air tight bags will greatly reduce the incidence of tarnishing.  Your jewelry will also be protected from scratches and scuffing. There are also anti-tarnish paper strips that you can place inside your jewelry box. Cut the strips into small pieces and place one in each small plastic bag with your jewelry. You'll find these strips at a craft or hardware store.

· Please don't dip!  Please.... never dip any silver shell jewelry in 'dip' solutions or commercial cleaning solutions even though it may say that it is for silver jewelry.   Chemical dip contains acids and accelerates the tarnish removal. The corrosive nature of acid can damage and pit your silver.  Dip cleaners will work the first few times, but after that the silver jewelry may turn in color and will never look the same. And the shell inlay in your silver jewelry may be damaged from the dip solution.

Never put your silver in the dishwasher. The harsh dish detergent and high water temperatures are too abrasive for your prized sterling silver.  Always wash your silver by hand and dry with a soft 100% cotton cloth.

We do not recommend cleaning your silver shell jewelry with toothpaste and a toothbrush as this will scratch the silver. 

For more information, please contact us at customerservice@sherichseashells.com or mrsshellsandsilver@gmail.com

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