CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

STERLING SILVER

925 Sterling Silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is a popular metal for jewelry because of its strength and shine. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Sterling silver tarnishes because of a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. This reaction causes a thin layer of silver sulfide to form on the surface of the silver, which is what gives it a tarnished appearance. This is an inherent characteristic of sterling silver and is not considered a defect.

Sterling silver jewelry is easy to care for and can be cleaned using a few methods.

  • A purchased jewelry cleaning solution (we like the kind with the dipping basket.) Follow the instructions on the container.
  • An at-home remedy like a mild soap and water solution, or a paste made of baking soda and water. Rub lightly with a cloth or soft bristle toothbrush, pat dry & buff with a cotton or microfiber cloth.
  • You can also use a soft jewelry cloth to buff the jewelry and restore its shine. Jewelry clothes are impregnated with a polishing agent. After polishing gently with the jewelry cloth, lightly rub the jewelry with a cotton cloth to remove excess polishing material.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the jewelry.

 

24K GOLD PLATED STERLING SILVER

Our gold-plated jewelry is made with a base of sterling silver and a layer of gold that is at least 1 micron thick. The gold plating typically lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on how the jewelry is cared for and how often it is worn. To extend the life of your gold-plated jewelry, see below.

  • Store gold plated jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, perfume, lotion, and hairspray.
  • Clean gold-plated jewelry with a soft cloth or a jewelry cleaning solution specifically designed for gold plated jewelry.
  • Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry while swimming or bathing.
  • Remove gold plated jewelry before engaging in any physical activity.

 

 

BRONZE

Bronze is an alloy made up of copper and tin. It is a strong and durable metal that has been used for centuries to make tools, weapons, and decorative objects. The color of bronze is determined by the proportions of copper and tin used in the alloy. The more copper used, the redder the bronze will be. The more tin used, the more yellow the bronze will be. Because all of our products are handmade, the color of our bronze jewelry can vary slightly.

Bronze tarnishes because it is a metal alloy that contains copper, which reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air to form a layer of copper oxide on the surface of the metal. This layer of copper oxide is what gives bronze its characteristic greenish-brown color.

Bronze can be cleaned using the following methods.

  • You can use a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Gently rub the bronze with the cloth and the soap and water solution to remove dirt and grime. Rinse the bronze with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
  • To restore the color of lightly tarnished bronze, you can dip your jewelry in white vinegar. Rinse the bronze with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
  • If the bronze is heavily tarnished, you can use a commercial bronze cleaner or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and flour. Apply the cleaner or mixture to the bronze and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

 

CLEANING SEMI-PREICOUS GEMSTONES

  • Most (see exceptions below) semi-precious gemstones can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the gemstone.
  • Clean bezels, ring settings and drill holes, with a soft bristle toothbrush.
  • After cleaning, rinse the gemstone with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
  • Keep semi-precious gemstones away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, as this can cause fading or discoloration.
  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, perfume, lotion, and hairspray.

 

GEMSTONE CLEANING EXCEPTIONS

OPALS

Opals are fiery and temperamental (probably why love them…) Ironically, this fiery stone naturally contains 3-5% water and maintaining the original water balance is critical to the longevity of the stone.

  • Opals can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth (water.)
  • Pat dry with a soft cloth immediately.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage and discolor the opal. clean bezels, ring settings and drill holes using a dry soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Opals should not be exposed to heat or excessive sunlight. Exposure can cause the stone to dry out, turning the opal a dark, opaque brown.
  • Opals are porous and absorb water, so they should not be submerged in water (no pools, hot tubs, saunas, or showers.)
  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, perfume, lotion, cosmetics, and hairspray.
  • Do not wear your opals when performing manual labor or participating in sports activities.

 

PEARLS

Caring for your pearls is all about maintaining the luster. Pearls can lose their luster when exposed to chemicals, dirt, oils, and other pollutants. These pollutants can erode the pearl's outer layer, making it look dull and lifeless.

  • Store your pearls in a soft pouch or cloth.
  • Avoid contact with chemicals and cosmetics.
  • Clean your pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each use.
  • Do not expose your pearls to extreme temperatures or humidity.
  • Do not wear your pearls when performing manual labor or participating in sports activities.
  • Bring your pearls to a professional jeweler for periodic cleaning and restringing.