What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver, marked as .925, is a precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% copper for added strength and durability. Pure silver alone is too soft for most jewelry, so this special blend keeps each piece strong enough for everyday wear while maintaining its bright, elegant luster.

At h.g. Jewelry, we use only high-quality sterling silver, carefully chosen for its beauty and performance. You’ll often see the small .925 hallmark stamped on our pieces — a symbol of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Over time, exposure to air, moisture, and natural oils can gently darken silver — a process called tarnish. It’s completely normal and part of what gives sterling silver its character. Regular wear and simple cleaning keep it bright, and a soft patina can even enhance the jewelry’s depth and warmth.

Why We Love It: Sterling silver connects beauty with longevity. It complements natural stones like turquoise perfectly and carries the story of artisan craftsmanship in every detail.

Sterling silver sheet and wire on jeweler's workbench
  • Do

    • Wipe jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after wear.
    • Store in a closed pouch/box with anti-tarnish strip.
    • Put jewelry on after skincare, perfume, hairspray.
    • Remove before swimming, exercising, or cleaning.
  • Avoid

    • Abrasive pads or harsh silver dips—especially with stones.
    • Ultrasonic cleaners on turquoise and porous gems.
    • Leaving pieces in damp rooms or direct sun for long periods.
    • Bending cuffs repeatedly (can stress the metal).

How to Clean Sterling Silver (Safe Methods)

Quick Shine (Polishing Cloth)
  1. Use a quality jewelry polishing cloth.
  2. Rub gently in one direction on the metal only.
  3. Avoid vigorous rubbing over gemstones and oxidized details.
Soap & Water (Mild Build-Up)
  1. Mix a drop of mild dish soap with lukewarm water.
  2. Dip a soft cloth, wipe metal gently; avoid soaking stones.
  3. Rinse quickly, pat dry completely; finish with a polishing cloth.
Professional Help (Heavy Tarnish or Intricate Work)

For heavily tarnished or detailed pieces, we’re happy to help clean and refresh safely in our workshop.

Turquoise Notes

Turquoise is one of nature’s most distinctive and loved gemstones. Every stone has its own fingerprint — a unique blend of color, texture, and veining that tells the story of the earth it came from.

Because turquoise is naturally porous, it can absorb oils, lotions, and even moisture from the air. Over time, this can cause subtle color changes or deepen its tone — a sign of a genuine, living stone.

To help preserve your turquoise jewelry:

  • Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, or cleaning products.
  • Remove jewelry before swimming or showering.
  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
  • Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined box.

Slight variations or matrix lines in turquoise are not flaws — they’re part of the natural character that makes each h.g. Jewelry piece one of a kind.

Pile of turquoise cabochons

Troubleshooting FAQs

My silver left a dark mark—normal?
Yes—tarnish can transfer lightly to skin or cloth. A quick wipe with a polishing cloth restores shine.
Green skin reaction—what does it mean?
Body chemistry, lotions, and moisture can react with copper in sterling. Keep skin dry beneath pieces, wipe jewelry after wear, and store with anti-tarnish strips.
Can I brighten oxidized (antiqued) details?
Avoid chemical dips—they remove oxidation. Instead, lightly polish the high areas only with a cloth, leaving recessed areas dark for contrast.