Made to be worn.

At McWilliams-Young Design, our jewelry is created to be lived in. Sterling and fine silver will naturally respond to the world around them, developing subtle changes in tone and surface with time and wear.

A softened patina, a few marks from everyday life, or a deeper silver tone are not imperfections—they are part of the character that makes a well-loved piece uniquely yours.

With thoughtful care, your jewelry can be enjoyed for years to come.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a durable alloy of silver and other metals, chosen for its strength and suitability for everyday wear. Like all silver, it will naturally tarnish when exposed to oxygen, moisture, skin oils, perfumes, lotions, and certain chemicals.

To preserve its finish:

• Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, or using household cleaners.

• Apply perfume, lotions, and other beauty products before putting on your jewelry, allowing them to dry completely.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine and salt water.

• After wearing, gently wipe your piece with a soft, clean polishing cloth.

• Store silver in a dry place, ideally in its own pouch or compartment to prevent scratching and unnecessary exposure to air.

Fine Silver

Fine silver contains a higher percentage of pure silver than sterling and has a naturally luminous, soft appearance. Because it is a purer and softer metal, it can be more susceptible to scratches, dents, and changes in shape.

Handle fine silver pieces with particular care and avoid wearing them during activities where they may be knocked, bent, or abraded.

Over time, fine silver may develop subtle variations in surface and tone. These changes are a natural part of the material and the experience of wearing a handmade piece.

Caring for Your Finish

Many McWilliams-Young Design pieces feature hand-finished surfaces, including oxidized, brushed, textured, or naturally patinated areas.

Please take care when polishing these pieces. Aggressive polishing or commercial silver dips can remove intentional surface treatments and alter the character of the design.

For most pieces, a gentle pass with a soft polishing cloth is sufficient. Do not use abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds, or chemical silver dips unless specifically recommended for your piece.

If your jewelry includes gemstones, pearls, enamel, or other materials, additional care may be required.

Storage

When not being worn, keep your jewelry somewhere cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight and humidity.

Whenever possible, store individual pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling. An airtight jewelry pouch or box can help minimize exposure to air and slow the natural tarnishing process.

A Note on Patina

Silver is meant to change.

With time, a piece may become brighter where it is touched most often and deeper in tone where it is left undisturbed. These subtle variations create a finish that cannot be replicated and reflect the way a particular piece has been worn.

We encourage you to embrace those changes. They are part of the story of your jewelry.

McWilliams-Young Design
Crafted with intention. Made to be worn.