About Our Metal

Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Sterling Silver will tarnish with time and exposure to humidity and other environmental factors.
• Tarnish can occur more quickly when exposed to certain chemicals like sulfur.
• Our Sterling Silver is nickel free and we do not rhodium plate any of our work unless otherwise noted.
• Store your sterling silver in a clean dry closed location like a jewelry box or jewelry bag to slow down the tarnishing process.

The Causes of Tarnish

Silver does naturally oxidize, typically black or dark grey. The antique finish used in most Walker Metalsmiths' silver jewelry takes advantage of this property of the metal. Tarnish is a dirty word, but patina is an art word. The antique finish of a dark patina in the background and bright polished white highlights gives depth and contrast to the artistic details.

The most common catalysts that accelerate the darkening of silver are chemicals. Even the naturally occurring amino acids in your skin can have an effect and this will vary between individuals. Sulphur from the atmosphere, chlorine from pools and cleaners and contact with other materials can also darken silver. Moisture and sunlight can affect silver as well.

Cleaning and Polishing Sterling Silver

A treated jewelry polishing cloth can be used to both remove oxides and to brighten the polish. This is especially recommended for antique finish jewelry because it will polish the highlights and leave the darker oxides in the background.

There are many paste and liquid silver cleaners available. Most of these are used with a warm water rinse. Be advised that some of these may remove the dark background of an antique finish. It is best to proceed cautiously and to apply with a cloth or sponge rather than a toothbrush if a dark background is desired.

Rings often stay bright just from normal wear and washing of hands.

Gold and Precious Stones

Walker Metalsmiths uses 14K gold, unless otherwise noted, in all of our Gold jewelry. We cast our gold on site at our Andover, NY studio to ensure quality and purity of materials. We do also re-use customer gold in some of our pieces. If that is the case your piece will be cast by itself to ensure your material is used in only your requested jewelry.

• We offer 14K Yellow, Rose, and White Gold. 10K and 18K are available upon request.
• We do not rhodium plate our white gold unless requested or otherwise stated.
• Color of gold may vary if your gold has been re-cast.
• When cleaning gold jewelry do not use abrasive solutions. Use only solutions designed for jewelry cleaning and follow all manufacturer instructions. Many solutions require rinsing with warm water following cleaning.
• Some stones are more fragile than others. Be sure to take care when wearing and cleaning them to prevent damage.
• Even diamonds can chip. Be mindful of your jewelry and remove it during rough activities.

About the Author

Stephen Walker has been handcrafting Celtic jewelry in Andover, NY since 1984. A trained silversmith and goldsmith, he casts every piece on site using .925 Deoxide Sterling Silver and 14K gold.

Learn more about Stephen & Susan Walker →