Sterling silver 925, a living metal

Silver has this raw, living beauty. But over time, it can change in tone, become cloudy, or darken. This is a natural process.

It’s actually one of the material’s signatures. The 925 silver we use for our jewelry is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This combination gives it both strength and a unique patina. When exposed to air, humidity, or the sulfur naturally present in the environment, or even on the skin, silver slightly oxidizes. It doesn’t get damaged; it reacts. This chemical reaction, called oxidation, is what creates the thin dark layer on its surface.

This slight darkening isn’t a flaw. It’s part of the life of the piece. Just as leather develops a patina, silver evolves depending on how it’s worn. Some prefer to keep it raw, while others like to polish it to bring back its original shine.

At Coutumes, we love the idea that metal keeps the trace of time, skin, and movement. It’s what makes it a true, personal material. A few simple gestures help preserve your jewelry’s shine: wear it often, the natural friction against the skin slows down oxidation. Avoid humidity, take it off before showering, swimming, or going to the sea. Store it in a pouch or a closed case when not worn. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth. And if your piece has truly darkened, a silver cleaning bath or professional polishing will easily restore its original glow.

At Coutumes, each piece is crafted in solid silver, designed to last and age gracefully. Watching it evolve is part of the beauty.

A few simple habits will help preserve your jewelry’s shine: wear it often, the natural friction against the skin slows oxidation. Avoid humidity: remove it before showering, swimming, or going to the sea. Store it in a pouch or closed case when not worn. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth. And if your piece has truly darkened, a silver cleaning bath or professional polishing will easily restore its brightness.