Native American Jewelry Care Guide
How to Care for Your Native American Jewelry: Sterling Silver and Stone Essentials
Native American jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a piece of art, culture, and tradition. Whether your piece features hand-stamped sterling silver, intricate inlays, or beautiful turquoise, proper care will ensure it retains its beauty and value for generations to come. Here’s a guide to keeping your Native American jewelry looking its best.
1. Understanding Your Jewelry Materials
Most Native American jewelry is crafted from sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) and adorned with natural stones such as turquoise, coral, onyx, lapis lazuli, or spiny oyster. These materials, while durable, require different care than mass-produced jewelry.
✅ Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture.
✅Porous stones like turquoise and coral are sensitive to chemicals, heat, and oils.
By understanding these materials, you can prevent damage and preserve the natural beauty of your jewelry.
2. General Cleaning Tips
✅ Use a soft cloth
Wipe your jewelry after each wear with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils, sweat, and dust.
✅ Avoid liquid silver dips or harsh cleaners
These can damage both the silver and the stones. Instead, use a silver polishing cloth designed for sterling silver.
✅ Be gentle around stones
Never scrub or soak pieces with inlaid or set stones. Water can weaken the setting or discolor certain stones.
3. Protect Your Jewelry from Damage
✅ Keep jewelry dry. Remove it before swimming, showering, or doing household cleaning.
✅ Avoid contact with lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays, which can tarnish silver and stain porous stones.
✅ Store pieces separately in a soft cloth bag or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangling.
Pro Tip: Add a small piece of anti-tarnish paper in the storage bag to slow down silver tarnishing.
4. Special Care for Turquoise and Other Soft Stones
Turquoise, coral, and similar stones are especially vulnerable to:
✅ Heat exposure: High temperatures can cause discoloration.
✅Oils and chemicals: Even natural skin oils can darken turquoise over time.
To protect these stones:
✅ Don’t soak your jewelry in water or cleaning solutions.
✅ Clean stones with a dry or barely damp soft cloth.
✅ Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.
5. Embrace the Patina—or Polish?
Over time, sterling silver develops a natural darkening called patina, which many collectors cherish as part of the piece’s character. If you prefer a bright silver shine, you can polish it carefully with a silver cloth—just avoid polishing over intentionally oxidized areas or textured designs.
Celebrate and Preserve Your Jewelry’s Story
Each piece of Native American jewelry tells a story—of the artist, the culture, and the land. By taking these simple steps to care for your sterling silver and stone jewelry, you’re not just protecting an accessory; you’re preserving a piece of history and heritage.
Wear it proudly, care for it thoughtfully, and pass it down for future generations to enjoy.