jewelry care
I strive to create jewelry that will last a lifetime, but many of the materials I use can be damaged if not properly cared for (i.e. pearls). By taking care of your jewelry you can ensure that it will last for years and years to come.
- Keep your jewelry stored properly. If stored in individual plastic, resealable bags, you can avoid most tarnishing & damage issues. Use an anti-tarnishing strip with your sterling and copper silver to further prevent tarnishing.
- If you decide to use a chemical / commercial cleaner or dip, please do not place any natural stones or materials that will be ruined such as pearls, lapis, coral, turquoise, opals, and many others. These stones can be ruined from the chemicals.
- Most metals will tarnish over time. This includes sterling silver. It isn't anyone's fault...it just happens. Cleaning and polishing sterling silver can be done with a polishing cloth (which can be purchased at just about any drug store or other store like Target or Walmart). A soft cotton cloth will work also.
- Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and will not tarnish. It may however dull over time due to general wear and buildup of oils from our skin. A simple cotton cloth should clean it up just fine and return it to a beautiful shine.
- I love copper, but this is one of those wonky metals that can turn your skin green. Yikes! But not to worry. You aren't having an allergic reaction and the green is just superficial. It is a reaction between the oils in your skin and the copper. If this bothers you, you can 'paint' a clear coat of nail polish and it will temporarily prevent this reaction, but it will eventually wear off.
- Copper also tarnishes very quickly. The copper content in sterling silver is the main reason why sterling tarnishes. I found a great article written by another jeweler, who uses Worcestershire Sauce to clean copper. I haven't yet tried this, but I just might one of these days. A soft cloth should also polish it up temporarily.
- Gold should not ever need polishing though it may need a gentle cleaning. Think of all the things you do each day that can add to the dulling of your jewelry - soap, lotion, hairspray, perfume, and just everyday contact can create a dull layer on your gold (and other materials). Use a mild detergent (like dishwashing soap) in a bowl with warm water ... use a toothbrush or small brush to clean your gold jewelry. A soft cotton, lint-free, cloth can also be used for minor cleaning.
- Pearls were made to be worn. Leaving them locked in a jewelry box is not a good way to care for them - they can dry out and crack. The pearls need our skin to keep them lusterous. And after you wear them, gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. If you can't wear them as often as you'd like, at least take them out once in awhile and run them through your hands. But never ever wear your pearls when spraying hairspray, perfume, or any other harsh chemicals. Do NOT use any commercial cleaning products on your pearls. They are much too harsh and will damage the lustre of your pearls. Also do NOT use cloths with a red 'rouge' made for polishing sterling silver or other metals. A gentle cotton cloth should remove surface dirt. If you get them super dirty, take them to a professional jewelry store for assistance.