Care

Metals & Finishes Explained

Sterling silver, stainless steel, brass and tungsten—and the finishes on top—compared, with care tips for each.

Every MOBODUC piece is made from one of four base metals and may have a finish on top. Both are listed on the product page. Here is what each one means for the look, the feel and the care.

What you should know

Base metals

925 sterling silver — 92.5% silver. Bright and classic. Plain silver can tarnish with air and moisture; a silver polishing cloth brings it back.
Stainless steel — durable and resistant to rust. Plain, unplated steel can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Brass — a copper-and-zinc alloy we use under a plated finish, often for detailed pendants.
Tungsten — very hard and scratch-resistant, used for men’s bands. It can chip if it hits a hard surface and cannot be resized.

Finishes

14K gold plated — a layer of 14K gold for a warm gold color.
14K white gold plated — a cool, bright white-gold tone.
Rhodium plated — a bright, white finish often used over sterling silver.
Black finish — a dark finish, used on some earrings and men’s pieces.

Which metal should I choose?

For an everyday piece you rarely take off, stainless steel is a durable choice.
For a classic, fine-jewelry feel, choose sterling silver.
For a men’s band that resists scratches, choose tungsten—and check your size first.
If you have a known metal allergy, check the base metal and finish of the exact piece before ordering.

Caring for each metal

Plated finishes need the gentlest care: a soft, dry cloth and no polishing compounds. Plain sterling silver and plain stainless steel can be cleaned with mild soap and lukewarm water, then dried thoroughly. See our Gold-Plated Jewelry Care guide for details.

FAQ

Does silver-colored mean sterling silver?

No. A silver-tone piece may be sterling silver, rhodium-plated, white-gold-plated or stainless steel. The product page lists the exact metal.

Is stainless steel jewelry good quality?

Yes. Stainless steel is durable, keeps its shape and resists rust, which makes it a good choice for everyday pieces.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?

Silver reacts with sulfur in the air and with moisture. Storing it dry and in a pouch slows tarnish; a silver polishing cloth removes it from plain silver.

Can tungsten rings be resized?

No. Tungsten is too hard to resize, so check your ring size carefully before ordering.