Jewellery Care Guide

Keep Your Silver Shining

Your Luna Mars Living pieces are crafted from solid 925 sterling silver — 92.5% pure silver, built to last and designed to be worn. A little care goes a long way. Here's everything you need to know to keep your jewellery looking its best.

Everyday Wear

925 sterling silver is made for real life — but a few simple habits will keep it looking great for longer.

  • Put jewellery on last. Apply perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your silver. The chemicals in these products accelerate tarnishing and can dull the finish over time.
  • Take it off before water. Remove your pieces before swimming, showering, washing up, or heading to the gym. Chlorine, saltwater, and soap residue all speed up tarnishing — and can weaken delicate settings.
  • Sweat happens. If you've had an active day or been in the heat, give your piece a quick wipe with a soft cloth before storing it.

Polishing Your Silver

A little polish keeps your pieces gleaming. Here's how to do it properly:

  • Use a soft, lint-free cloth (a dedicated silver polishing cloth is ideal) and rub gently in back-and-forth strokes — not circular ones, which can cause micro-scratches.
  • For pieces with an oxidised finish (like our statement signet rings), be careful around the darkened recessed areas — these are intentional and give the design its definition. Light polishing on the raised surfaces is fine; avoid scrubbing the oxidised areas.
  • Avoid abrasive cloths, tissues, or paper towels — they scratch silver.

Removing Tarnish

Tarnish is a natural reaction between silver and sulphur compounds in the air — it's not a sign of poor quality. The good news: it's easy to remove.

For light tarnish: A silver polishing cloth will do the job perfectly.

For heavier tarnish: Try the baking soda method:

  1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil (shiny side up).
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and enough hot water to submerge your piece.
  3. Place your silver in the bowl and leave for 2–5 minutes.
  4. Remove, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry immediately with a soft cloth.

⚠️ Do not use this method on oxidised pieces — it will remove the dark finish. For oxidised jewellery, stick to gentle polishing cloth on the raised areas only.

Avoid toothpaste — despite the internet's enthusiasm for it, toothpaste is too abrasive for silver and can scratch the surface.

Storage

How you store your silver matters almost as much as how you wear it.

  • Store pieces individually. Silver is soft enough to be scratched by other jewellery. Use separate pouches, compartments, or wrap each piece in a soft cloth.
  • Keep it dry and airtight. Moisture and air accelerate tarnishing. An airtight zip-lock bag or a jewellery box with a lid is ideal. Adding an anti-tarnish strip to the bag or box is a great extra step.
  • Away from sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can affect silver's finish. Store away from windowsills and direct light.
  • Cool and dry wins. Avoid storing silver in bathrooms — the humidity does it no favours.

Oxidised Finishes — A Special Note

Some Luna Mars Living pieces — like our bold signet rings — feature an oxidised finish that creates dramatic contrast and depth. This finish is created intentionally by treating the silver surface.

Over time, with regular wear and polishing, the oxidisation on raised surfaces may lighten slightly — this is normal and part of how the piece ages beautifully. The recessed areas retain the dark tone and definition for much longer.

If you'd like the oxidisation restored or refreshed, contact a professional jeweller.

A Few More Tips (Because We Actually Care)

  • Wearing your silver regularly is actually one of the best things you can do — the natural oils in your skin help maintain the shine.
  • If you notice a green tint on your skin, it's a harmless reaction between silver, skin chemistry, and certain substances (like lotion). It washes off easily.
  • 925 sterling silver is nickel-free in all Luna Mars Living pieces — ideal for sensitive skin.

Got a question about your piece? Get in touch with us — we're always happy to help.