Every Dicci piece is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver, certified with the official Portuguese hallmark, a guarantee of authenticity and quality. This guide helps you protect that investment and keep your jewelry looking exactly as it did on day one.
About 925 Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, to give the alloy the hardness needed for everyday wear. Pure silver is too soft to hold its shape as jewelry, making 925 the highest-quality silver standard used in fine jewelry worldwide.
All Dicci pieces carry the official Portuguese hallmark, an independent government certification confirming the silver content of every piece we produce. You won't find our designs anywhere else, each one is created exclusively for Dicci, available in polished and brushed finishes to suit different aesthetics.
Sterling Silver will naturally tarnish over time as the alloy reacts with air, moisture, and skin. This is normal, not a defect. With the right care, restoring its shine takes less than a minute.
How to Prevent Tarnish
Daily wear & water
- Remove your jewelry before showering. If you forget, dry it thoroughly straight afterward with a soft cloth.
- Pure water alone is harmless to silver, but most tap water contains chlorine and minerals that can accelerate dulling over time.
- Your skin's pH and sweat composition also affect how quickly tarnish develops, some people notice it sooner than others. This is completely normal.
Pools, hot tubs & hot springs
- Pool & hot tub water: chlorine is particularly aggressive. Rinse your jewelry under clean water immediately after any exposure.
- Natural hot springs: sulfur compounds react strongly with silver. Avoid immersion unless you specifically want the dark oxidized look.
Perfumes, lotions & chemicals
- Always apply perfumes, moisturizers, sunscreen, and hair products before putting on your jewelry. Let them dry first.
- Remove your pieces before using household cleaning products, hand sanitizers, or bleach-based solutions.
Cleaning & Storage
Cleaning
- Clean your pieces daily or at least once a week, especially if you sweat a lot or wear them during physical activity.
- Use purified or distilled water and a soft microfiber cloth. A small drop of mild, unscented soap can be used for more stubborn buildup.
- Dry completely before storing or wearing again. Moisture left on silver speeds up tarnish.
- Flat, smooth surfaces (like polished pendants) tarnish more slowly than pieces with intricate or textured surfaces.
Storage
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratches, particularly important for polished finishes.
- Choose a dark, cool, and dry environment. Humidity and light accelerate oxidation.
- For chains and adjustable necklaces, fasten the clasp on the last hole before storing to prevent tangling and mechanical wear.
- Small anti-tarnish strips inside a sealed pouch or box are an easy upgrade for long-term storage.
Adjustable Jewelry
Adjustable rings, bracelets, and cuffs are inherently more delicate at the bend point. Always open and close them slowly and gently, using both hands when possible. Avoid frequent resizing, repeated bending at the same point weakens the metal over time and can lead to cracking. Find your size and leave it there.
Quick Reference
Normal and expected. Not a defect, it restores easily with a soft cloth.
Tap water can dull silver over time. Prefer purified water for cleaning.
Perfumes, chlorine, and cleaning products all accelerate oxidation.
Dark, dry, separate. A sealed pouch is better than an open tray.
Soft cloth + purified water, weekly minimum. Dry completely after.
Resize slowly and infrequently. Repeated bending weakens the metal.