materials + jewelry care

All pieces unless otherwise marked are made using .925 Sterling Silver and various silversmithing techniques.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Whenever possible I use responsibly sourced materials and support other small, independently owned businesses. All of my silver is purchased through a supplier which sources recycled metals whenever feasible. I'm very resourceful in my practice so I try to minimize waste and use the materials I have on hand first as much as possible. I often create pieces using recycled silver by melting down my scrap metal in my studio and any leftover metal is sent to a refinery for recycling.

The boxes my jewelry is shipped in is intended to be reused! I make efforts to use eco-friendly packaging to ensure them to be recyclable or compostable.

I take great care to make sure my stones are ethically sourced & I often work directly with lapidary artists in purchasing high-quality stones.

About Sterling Silver

While handmade sterling silver jewelry can be more expensive, investing in jewelry that is timeless & made from precious metal means it holds value. I strive for every piece to be heirloom-quality, meaning it should last generations when taken care of properly!

Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% fine silver combined with 7.5% copper added for strength. Since it's nickel free, it's less likely to cause skin reactions and is a much better option for those with metal allergies, however not guaranteed to be completely allergy free because everyone has different sensitivities.

Ear Wires

Sterling is less likely to cause skin reactions, however these can still occur due to different sensitivities. If you've had reactions to sterling metal in the past, Niobium wire is available upon request free of charge when replacing the sterling ear wires! Niobium is naturally hypoallergenic and commonly used in a number of medical devices including prosthetics and implants, such as pacemakers. Often used in jewelry making because of its hypoallergenic properties, this metal is a safe choice for anyone with metal allergies.

Please request this when ordering by emailing me! Wilderastudio@gmail.com

General Jewelry Care

Keep jewelry dry; remove jewelry when swimming, bathing, doing dishes or exercising! Moisture can damage stones as well as weaken the integrity of the jewelry. Keep jewelry away from lotions, hairspray, perfume, chlorine, and other household chemicals.

Storage

Store jewelry in an airtight bag to reduce tarnish and so it does not get scratched by other items. Add anti-tarnish strips to absorb moisture.

Cleaning + Polishing

If not cared for properly, even high quality sterling silver jewelry can appear a little discolored or dirty over time. This tarnish occurs naturally when exposed to oxygen or moisture. Use the polishing cloth included in your purchase to remove any tarnish and bring back the shine to the metal.

You can also use a soft toothbrush, warm water and a gentle dish soap if needed to remove excess dirt buildup. Take care not to remove the darkened patina which is part of the jewelry design!

The best way is to wear your sterling silver jewelry frequently. The oils in your skin will "clean" the sterling silver every time you wear a piece.

Do not use jewelry cleaner or any other DIY recipes as these can potentially ruin stones and patina!