Caring for your silverplate silverware jewelry is simple — and with a few easy habits, your handcrafted Laughing Frog Studio piece will stay beautiful for years. Here's everything you need to know.
Most of the pieces we create at Laughing Frog Studio begin their second life as eco-friendly upcycled vintage silverplate silverware — forks, spoons, and serving pieces rescued from history and reimagined into wearable art.
Most of our findings (rings, chains, hooks, clasps, etc.) are silverplate as well, except for our ball chain, which is stainless steel. Silverplate is a thin layer of sterling silver over another base metal* — learn more in our Silverplate vs. Sterling Guide — so it will tarnish naturally over time — just like sterling silver.
A few simple habits make all the difference:
Store It
Your Laughing Frog Studio creation arrives tucked in a zip‑loc baggie. When you're not wearing it, keep it in that airtight bag to slow the tarnishing process. Air and moisture are silver's biggest enemies — so a little zip‑loc magic goes a long way.
Wear It
Don't be afraid to wear your piece daily!
The natural oils from your skin help keep tarnish at bay, especially for items worn on the hands or arms. If you notice a bit of tarnish starting, gently rub the piece with your fingers — the light friction and oils will help remove dullness and protect it going forward.
Polish It
If your piece needs a deeper shine, use a jewelry polish cloth (you probably already have one hiding in your jewelry box). For heavier tarnish, a tiny dab of silver polish works wonders — we prefer Wenol for its gentle touch and bright finish.
A Quick Note About Toothpaste — Some people might suggest using toothpaste to polish silver, but we don't recommend it. Toothpaste contains gritty abrasives designed for cleaning teeth, and those same particles can scratch silverplate, dull the finish, and slowly wear down the thin layer of silver over time. It may remove tarnish in a pinch, but it's a little too harsh for vintage silverware pieces — especially the upcycled creations we make here at Laughing Frog Studio.
Bonus Tip: Add Chalk to Your Storage
A surprisingly effective way to slow tarnish is to tuck a piece of plain white chalk into your jewelry box or storage container. Chalk naturally absorbs moisture and sulfur compounds — two of the biggest culprits behind silver tarnish. Pairing a small piece of chalk with airtight storage (like the zip‑loc baggie your LFS creation arrives in) helps keep your silverplate pieces brighter for longer.
A Note on Metals
Base metals are typically copper, brass, white metal, or nickel. If you have a metal allergy, we recommend choosing sterling silver creations, as we can't guarantee you won't react to the underlying base metal.
Your jewelry was made to be worn, loved, and lived in — not tucked away. Treat it kindly, wear it often, and it'll keep its story shining for years to come.
Ready to add a new piece to your collection? Browse our handcrafted upcycled silverware jewelry — every piece is one-of-a-kind and made to be worn for years. Shop our handcrafted silverware jewelry →
Want to keep reading?
Silverplate vs. Sterling Silver — What’s the Difference?
History of Silverplating and Its Role in Democratizing Wealth
How Spoon Rings Are Made — From Vintage Silverware to Wearable Art
Flatware vs. Silverware vs. Cutlery — What’s the Difference?
Spoon Rings and Love Over the Ages — A Unique History
What is Upcycling?
