jewelry care tips
Brass care
Brass will naturally tarnish when exposed to oxygen and the oils from our skin. Avoid exposing your brass piece to water (i.e. showering or swimming), as it can be very harsh on metals. To prevent tarnishing, always make sure to keep your jewelry dry and stored in an air tight bag or container.
The following are some tips to restore your beautiful brass piece back to its original luster:
• For light tarnishing, use polishing cloth (I recommend Sunshine™ brand polishing cloths).
• For heavier tarnishing, create a vinegar and salt mixture (a ratio of 1/2 cup of vinegar to 1 teaspoon of salt). Combine ingredients into a microwave safe container. Heat mixture in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Submerge your brass jewelry into the mixture and let sit for up to 1 min. Remove from solution and wash with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with soft cloth. Follow with polishing cloth.
sterling silver care
Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and other metals. Unlike base metals, wearing your sterling silver jewelry will actually prevent tarnishing. The oils in your skin act as a cleaning agent and keep your sterling silver piece looking shiny. Tarnishing naturally occurs when it is exposed to oxygen or sulfur particles in the air. As prevention, always make sure to keep your jewelry dry and stored in an air tight bag or container.
The following are some tips to restore your beautiful sterling silver pieces back to their original luster:
• For light tarnishing, use a polishing cloth.
• For heavier tarnishing, use a small amount of mild dish detergent then, use a soft cloth or your fingers to rub into the surface of the metal. Avoid using brushes and abrasive cloths or sponges as they will scratch and dull high polished finishes. Rinse and dry thoroughly You may follow with a sterling silver polishing cloth.
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gold filled care
Gold filled jewelry is a great alternative to solid gold because it is high in quality and a fraction of the price. Gold filled is an actual layer of gold pressure bonded to another metal such as brass. It is not to be confused with gold plating as filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating. Gold filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant if taken care properly. Most people can wear gold filled without worries of any allergic reaction to the jewelry.
The following are some tips to maintain the longevity of your gold filled jewelry:
• Avoid moisture or humidity. Take off your gold filled jewelry before showering, physical activity or anything that involves sweating or getting wet. Keep it stored in an air tight bag or container.
• Avoid rough wear or using abrasive products to clean your jewelry to slow down the natural “wear and tear” process.
• Chemicals we use everyday such as hair spray, perfumes, or even some lotions may cause the gold layer of your piece to wear down over time resulting in tarnishing.
• Gently wipe with a soft polishing cloth to remove any built up residue from skin oils or beauty products. You can also use mild dish soap (such as Dawn) and water to remove build up. This is a great way to clean gold filled chain. Make sure to dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.