MATERIALS AND SILVER CARE

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PURE SILVER JEWELLERY

Most Rico Designs pieces are made from 99% pure silver—this is the highest grade of silver available, even purer than sterling silver (which is 92.5%). Thanks to its purity, our silver tarnishes much more slowly than sterling silver and is safe to wear in water. In fact, I find that wearing it in the ocean or shower actually helps keep it clean!

Important: Avoid exposing your jewellery to harsh chemicals like chlorine (commonly found in pools, spas, and cleaning products), as these can damage the silver.

With regular wear, you may find that your jewellery hardly ever needs cleaning. If it’s been sitting unused for a while, a quick refresh with a silver polishing cloth or a soak in warm, mild soapy water should bring back its shine.

Product descriptions will always indicate whether a piece is made from pure silver or sterling silver.

Please Note: Some pieces—especially those made with wire rather than waxed cord—may not be suitable for water exposure. Always check the individual product description for care recommendations.

Lastly, pure silver is a non-reactive metal, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as it’s far less likely to cause allergic reactions.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals—most commonly copper. It’s this copper content that causes sterling silver to tarnish over time. When copper reacts with oxygen, it produces a surface oxidation, which appears as a darkened or dull layer.

The good news? This tarnish can be removed—and even prevented—with proper care.

Sterling silver is water-safe, but exposure to water (especially chlorinated) can speed up the oxidation process. Chemicals in the water can also affect how quickly tarnishing occurs.

How to Clean Sterling Silver:

• Mix a mild soap with warm water.

• Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the piece.

• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

• A silver polishing cloth is also effective for restoring shine.

Storage Tips:

When you’re not wearing your sterling silver jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place—preferably in a tarnish-resistant zip-lock bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt cloth. Keeping it away from air and moisture helps minimize tarnish.

A note to the wearer to make your Rico Designs last….

Each Rico Designs piece is thoughtfully handcrafted and knotted by Richelle, created to be worn and loved every day—including in the water.

While the pure silver elements are highly resistant to tarnish and safe for water exposure, materials like cord and elastic—used to thread and string the silver—can naturally wear or stretch over time with frequent contact with water. This won’t harm your jewellery immediately, but over time, it may reduce its lifespan.

To keep your piece looking its best for longer:

• Enjoy wearing your jewellery in the water, but be mindful that continuous exposure may gradually soften or stretch materials like cord and elastic.

• Store your jewellery in an airtight bag inside a drawer when you’re not wearing it. This helps prevent tarnish and keeps your piece ready to wear.

If your piece ever needs to be restrung, we’re here to help. Please visit the Repairs page or contact Richelle at [email protected] to arrange a remake.

Note: If any silver components are missing during repair, a charge per gram will apply to cover replacements.

Rico Designs jewellery is made with love—treat it with that same care, and it will continue to shine for years to come.