Silver Types

Most Joy Garden designs are made with Sterling Silver or Argentium Silver, while Fine Silver is used selectively. Each has its own balance of brightness, strength, and tarnish resistance.

Sterling Silver (.925 purity)

Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver, alloyed primarily with copper to give it strength and durability. It is a classic choice for jewelry and holds up well to regular wear.

Over time, Sterling Silver naturally develops tarnish as it reacts with elements in the air and environment. This is normal and can usually be removed with gentle cleaning and polishing. On pieces with an intentionally darkened or antiqued finish, some of that contrast is part of the design.

Argentium Silver (.940 purity)

Argentium Silver is a modern silver alloy containing more pure silver than traditional Sterling Silver, along with a small amount of germanium. I use Argentium 940, which is 94% pure silver.

It has a bright, white appearance and greater resistance to tarnish and firestain than traditional Sterling Silver. It can also be heat-hardened for additional durability. Argentium still deserves normal jewelry care. It is tarnish-resistant, not tarnish-proof, and can still scratch with wear.

You can learn more on the official Argentium Silver website. 202427

Fine Silver (.999 purity)

Fine Silver is 99.9% pure silver. It has a beautifully bright color and resists tarnish well, but its high purity also makes it softer than Sterling or Argentium Silver.

I use Fine Silver selectively, generally in thicker gauges or in pieces such as earrings and pendants that are less likely to be bent or knocked during everyday wear.

If you have a known sensitivity to metals, please contact me before ordering. Individual sensitivities vary, and I’m happy to help you choose the most appropriate option.

Responsible Sourcing

The beauty of a finished piece matters to me, but so do the materials and choices behind it.

All of the silver I use at Joy Garden comes from suppliers certified through SCS Global Services’ responsible-sourcing programs. I favor recycled and American-mined silver whenever possible and choose suppliers committed to responsible environmental practices and fair labor throughout their supply chains.

I also purchase gemstones from reputable suppliers that prioritize responsible sourcing and greater transparency about where their stones come from.

Responsible sourcing is not a perfect label or a finished destination. For me, it means asking questions, making thoughtful purchasing decisions, and choosing materials that reflect the care with which each piece is made.

You can learn more about SCS Global Services and responsible jewelry sourcing.

Everyday Jewelry Care

Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but a few simple habits will help protect its finish and gemstones. An easy rule to remember is: put your jewelry on last and take it off first.

• Apply lotions, perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, entering a hot tub, cleaning, gardening, exercising, or sleeping.
• Keep it away from chlorine, bleach, household cleaners, sulfurous water, and other harsh chemicals.
• Store jewelry only after it is clean and completely dry.
• Keep pieces separated in soft pouches, a lined jewelry box, or sealed containers with anti-tarnish tabs or cloth.
• Fasten chains before storing them to help prevent tangles.

Thoughtful storage slows tarnish and keeps pieces from rubbing against one another, which can cause scratches, bent components, and damaged gemstones. 

Cleaning Your Jewelry

For plain silver and many durable gemstones, begin with the gentlest method:

1. Add a small drop of mild dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water.
2. Clean the piece gently with your fingers or a very soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Rinse it in a separate bowl or glass of clean water rather than over an open drain.
4. Dry it completely with a soft, lint-free cloth before wearing or storing it.

Gemstones do not all respond to water, soap, heat, or cleaning equipment in the same way. Pearls, opals, turquoise, amber, coral, and some treated stones require special care and generally should not be soaked.

Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners unless you know they are safe for every gemstone, treatment, setting, and finish in the piece.

If you are unsure what kind of stone your jewelry contains, please contact me before cleaning it. I would much rather answer a quick question than have you gamble with a cleaning method.

Polishing Silver

Use a clean silver-polishing cloth and gentle pressure to restore shine and remove light tarnish. Take extra care around chains, prongs, stone settings, and delicate connections—pulling too firmly can stretch a chain or loosen a setting.

If your piece has intentionally darkened or oxidized details, avoid polishing deeply into those areas. That contrast is part of the design and helps bring out its texture and pattern.

Do not use toothpaste, abrasive powders, stiff brushes, or household scouring products. They may appear to clean silver, but they can also leave fine scratches and damage the finish.

When Tarnish Is Heavy

If gentle cleaning and a polishing cloth do not restore your jewelry, a homemade aluminum foil, baking soda, and hot water bath uses a safe electrochemical reaction to lift tarnish off silver without scraping away real metal. Even though this method is generally regarded as safe, please exercise caution.

• Line a glass or ceramic bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up).
• Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt in very hot or boiling water.
• Submerge the silver so it touches the aluminum foil.
• Wait 2 to 5 minutes while the tarnish transfers safely to the foil via ion exchange.
• Remove with tongs, rinse with clean water, and buff dry with a soft cloth

Chemical silver dips may change the finish, weaken delicate components, or damage certain gemstones and are not recommended.

Please contact me or consult a professional jeweler before attempting a stronger treatment.

Questions About Your Piece?

Not sure what kind of silver or gemstone you have, or how it should be cleaned? Send me a message through the contact page, and I’ll help you choose the safest approach.