Caring for Your 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver rewards a little attention. Loretana pieces are made from 925 sterling silver, hallmarked by Lietuvos prabavimo rūmai and finished by hand in our Kaunas studio in rhodium or 14K gold plating — and with the right care, that finish stays bright for years rather than months.

Why silver changes over time

925 silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with other metals for strength. Left exposed to air, moisture, and everyday products — perfume, lotion, chlorine — it can gradually dull or tarnish. This is a natural property of the metal, not a flaw, and it is easy to manage with a few consistent habits.

Daily habits that protect the finish

Put jewelry on last, after perfume, lotion, and hairspray have dried. Take rings and bracelets off before swimming, showering, or cleaning — chlorine and household chemicals are the fastest way to dull a rhodium or gold-plated surface. Wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth before you put it away; this alone removes most of the oils and residue that lead to tarnish.

Cleaning

For routine care, a jewelry polishing cloth is usually enough. If a piece needs more, wash it gently in lukewarm water with a drop of mild, phosphate-free soap, using a soft toothbrush to reach detail, then dry it immediately and completely — silver should never air-dry. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, chlorine-based dips, and abrasive cloths, which can wear down rhodium and gold plating faster than normal wear would.

Storage

Store each piece separately, ideally in a soft pouch or lined box, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Letting pieces tangle or rub against each other in an open dish is one of the most common causes of scratches on plated surfaces. A small silica gel packet in the storage box helps control moisture, especially near the coast.

A note on engraved pieces

If you've had a piece personalized with front engraving, clean around the engraved text gently rather than scrubbing directly across it, to keep the detail crisp.

Every Loretana piece is built to last

All Loretana jewelry is nickel-free and hypoallergenic under EU regulations, hallmarked, and dispatched from Kaunas within one business day. With this simple routine, your pieces are made to be worn daily — and to still look considered years from now. Browse the full ring, necklace, and bracelet collections to find your next piece.