Sterling Silver Jewelry: Finishes, Care and What You Should Know

From polished silver and OXD to natural tarnish: getting to know your jewelry, understanding its finish and caring for it over time.

Sterling Silver can take on many different finishes and textures. It can be highly polished, oxidized, textured, hammered or matte, and it can also be finished with coatings such as rhodium. Some jewelry combines several techniques in a single piece, giving the silver a completely different look and character.

Silver also changes naturally over time. Its shine may soften and the surface may darken. But on some pieces, darker areas are intentional from the start, part of the designer's original idea and the character of the jewelry. So how can you tell natural tarnish from an intentional finish, and how should you care for each? That's what this guide is about.

Sterling Silver and the Character of the Material

Sterling Silver, often marked as 925, is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Pure silver is relatively soft, so jewelry is usually made with added metals that give it strength and durability. The result is a material that stands up to everyday wear while retaining the appearance and character of silver.

The look of Sterling Silver can change naturally over time. Contact with air, sweat and cosmetics can cause a reaction on the surface, and the silver gradually darkens. This process is called tarnish. Natural tarnish is not necessarily a sign of damage or low quality. In most cases it is a surface change that can be treated to bring back the shine.

OXD: when the dark tone is part of the design

Before you reach for a polishing cloth, there is one more term worth knowing: OXD, or Oxidized Silver. Unlike natural tarnish, this darkening is done on purpose as part of the finishing and design of the piece.

Many of our designs combine Silver Polish and OXD in the same piece. OXD can be considered from the very beginning of the design process. The curves, raised surfaces, grooves and engravings are all part of how the darker finish interacts with the piece. The darker tone remains in the recessed areas, while the raised surfaces are polished to reveal a brighter silver finish. This contrast brings out the details and gives the jewelry its depth and character.

Worth remembering: not every dark or black area on silver jewelry is dirt or tarnish that should be removed. In many cases, it is exactly the look the piece was designed to have.

How to clean and care for silver jewelry

On a polished piece, when the silver begins to look darker or loses some of its shine, a silver polishing cloth is usually all you need. Wipe gently, without pressure. There is no need for daily cleaning — simply clean it when needed.

With a piece that combines polish and OXD, a little more care is needed. You can clean and brighten the polished surfaces, but leave the darker tone in the recessed areas as it is. Strong rubbing or silver-cleaning liquids may affect the OXD finish and alter the original appearance of the piece.

Not sure which cleaning method to use? A gentle wipe with a silver polishing cloth is usually the simpler choice. The cloth mainly comes into contact with the exposed and raised surfaces, and is less likely to reach deep into the recessed OXD areas. Clean gently, and don't try to rub the darker areas. Silver polishing cloths are also available at our store.

If you're unsure how to care for your piece, you're always welcome to visit us. We'll be happy to take a look and explain the best way to care for it, including jewelry with oxidized or OXD finishes.

Home methods such as toothpaste, baking soda or vinegar are not a good match for jewelry with engravings, stones and mixed finishes, and can harm both the look and the finish.

For everyday care: wipe away sweat and dirt after wearing, store the piece in a closed bag or box away from moisture, and let perfume and creams dry before putting your jewelry on.

Water, Showers, the Sea and Swimming Pools

Sterling Silver is made for everyday wear. To keep the shine and the original finish over time, it is best to avoid prolonged contact with water and to keep the piece away from chlorine, cleaning products, perfumes and creams. Before swimming in the sea or a pool, it is best to take your jewelry off.

Japanese silver at BLOCK 26

A central part of our silver collection is made in Japan by M'S Collection, a brand that has specialized in silversmithing for nearly four decades, since 1987. In M'S Collection jewelry, the finish is never an afterthought. The engravings, the polish and the darker recessed areas are all part of the design, and together they give each piece its own character.

Explore our M'S Collection, or visit us at 59 Shabazi Street in Neve Tzedek. We'd be happy to meet you in store.

The information in this guide is intended to help, and is provided as general knowledge and recommendations only. Care may vary depending on the product, its materials, stones and finishes, so please use your own judgment and refer to the manufacturer's instructions as well. BLOCK 26 is not responsible for damage to products not purchased from it resulting from reliance on this information. E&OE.