Caring for your Jewelry
To increase the life of your handcrafted jewelry we recommend using a polishing cloth. Liquid cleaners should never be used because they will weaken the wiring of your jewelry.
We also recommend removing your jewelry before exercising, showering or sleeping. Store your sterling silver jewelry in a cloth jewelry bag or in zip lock baggies to help prevent tarnishing. Sterling silver, stored properly, can be worn often and with minimal cleaning required, making it very easy to care for and lots of fun to wear. If cared for properly, your jewelry will last and be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Gemstones and Metal can scratch each other if they are carried together in a single bag. It is best to place fine jewelry in separate cloth bags or put them in separate compartments of a jewelry bag designed for traveling. If you are traveling on a plane or train be sure to place your jewelry case in your purse or in a carry-on bag.
When taken care of properly, pearls will last for many generations.*
Because pearls are relatively soft, ranging 2.5 to 4 on Moh's scale of hardness (1-10, 10 is the hardness of a diamond) they should be stored in a cloth pouch or wrapped in a piece of soft cloth. Since most stones and metals are harder than pearls, storing your pearls together may scratch them. Most pearls of value are knotted between each pearl to protect them from continual rubbing against one another.
They can be damaged in other ways:
- Dressing - Put on pearls after you have applied your makeup, hairspray and perfume. Chemicals in these products can be harmful.
- Remove pearls before bathing or swimming. Chemicals or minerals in the water may harm the pearl or deteriorate the cord they are strung with.
- After you have worn your pearls, wipe them gently with a soft clean cloth. Over time, the slight acid in your perspiration can have an abrasive affect them.
- If you find it necessary to clean your pearls, do not use ammonia-based cleaners, detergents, bleaching agents or powdered cleaners. Don't use abrasive materials, scouring pads or stiff brushes. Gently wash in water with a mild soap and dry them with a soft cloth. Lay necklaces flat to dry. Do not hang or wear them when wet, since this may stretch the cord.
- Don't keep pearls in a sealed plastic bag. Pearls are organic and need to breathe. Long exposure in sealed bags, in direct heat or sunshine may dry, crack or discolor pearls.
* Article Courtesy of Doreen Stephens and Firemountain Gems
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL STERLING IS PRONE TO TARNISHING. KEEP YOUR JEWELRY DRY!!!!
Tarnishing is a natural process caused by oxidation. It can be removed very easily by rubbing the silver gently with a polishing cloth. When used regularly, a polishing cloth can prevent the build up of tarnish. Use common sense when wearing your jewelry. This means not in the shower, not while doing dishes, and not around harsh chemicals that could damage the jewelry.
The Silver used in all of my jewelry is Genuine Sterling Silver, Bali Silver, Hill Tribes Silver, SS Plated, or Lead Free Pewter unless stated otherwise. ALL GEMSTONES ARE GENUINE AND OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. Because all of the jewelry is individually hand made everything can be customized to your needs (size, color, etc.). If you have any questions about any of the components used in my pieces please contact me.