Silver Is a Living Material

A guide to caring for your Carolina Spratling jewelry

Sterling silver is not static. It responds to air, to moisture, to the chemistry of your skin. Over time, it develops a natural patina — a darkening that softens the surface and adds depth to the form. Some of our collectors prefer this aged character. Others like their silver bright. Both are right.

The beauty of silver is that it can always come back.

Daily Wear

The best thing you can do for your silver is wear it. The natural oils in your skin help maintain its luster. Put it on. Live in it. That is what it was made for.

Remove your jewelry before swimming, bathing, or exercising. Chlorine, saltwater, and prolonged exposure to sweat can accelerate tarnishing. Take it off before applying perfume, sunscreen, or household cleaners — these chemicals react with silver and may damage natural stones.

Cleaning

For routine care, a soft silver polishing cloth is all you need. Gently rub the surface to restore its shine. This is the method our silversmiths use in the workshop, and it is the gentlest way to care for your piece.

For pieces that have developed a heavier patina, a mild solution of warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap works well. Soak briefly, rinse under clean water, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or baking soda — they can scratch the surface.

For pieces set with natural stones, clean only the silver. Wipe the stone with a damp cloth and dry it immediately. Do not soak stone-set jewelry for extended periods — some stones are porous and may absorb moisture.

Storage

Store your silver in a cool, dry place, ideally in the pouch or box it arrived in. Exposure to air causes tarnish over time, so an enclosed space helps slow the process. If you store multiple pieces together, keep them separated to avoid scratching.

Anti-tarnish strips placed inside your jewelry box or storage bag can help absorb sulfur compounds in the air. They are inexpensive and effective.

A Word About Patina

We want to say a word in favor of patina. The darkening that forms in the recesses of a sculptural piece — in the grooves of a Lengua link, in the texture around a stone setting — is not damage. It is contrast. It reveals the form. Many of our pieces are designed with this evolution in mind.

If you prefer the look of aged silver, simply wear your piece and let time do the work. If you want to restore brightness, a polishing cloth will bring it back in minutes.

Silver remembers. That is part of its beauty.

Questions about caring for your piece? Write to us at hello@carolinaspratling.com