Caring for your jewelry

HELPFUL TIPS &TRICKS

Polishing Instructions:

  • Oxidization is a natural occurrence & can be removed easily. Using a polishing cloth is a quick & easy way to remove tarnish. Gently rub the darken silver with the cloth until it shines like it’s original luster! PS - all orders over $99 come with a free polishing cloth!

  • We have a jewelry sauna in studio & offer low priced cleanings to our clients. The cleaning includes an ultrasonic wave & a high-pressure steam to lift dirt, grime & oil. Then we top it off with an ultraviolet (UV) light cleanse to sanitize the jewels.

  • Do not use store bought chemical based solutions on your sterling silver & natural stone jewelry! You’re better off trying these eco-friendly versions:

    • Eco-friendly dish soap can be used as a mind cleaner for your sterling silver jewelry. Mix the eco-soap with some warm water & then dampen a soft cloth with the solution. Gently rub the cloth into the jewelry before rinsing it off with cool water.

    • Baking soda is a natural, effective way to remove tarnish from silver. Wet your silver & apply the baking soda paste with a soft, lint-free cloth. Work the paste into the crevices. Turn the cloth as you pick up the tarnish. Rinse well & then buff dry.

    • If you have silver jewelry that needs extra cleaning, dampen a cloth with a vinegar and baking soda mix. Rub it in the jewelry, rinse, & then dry with a cloth. Note: Never use vinegar on gemstones or pearls. The acidic nature of the vinegar can damage them.

Natural Stone Care:

  • Do your best at getting to know your pieces & their needs. Ask questions if you’re unsure!

  • Apply lotion, cosmetics, hairspray & perfume before dressing in jewelry.

  • Be careful exposing your gemstones to excessive light & heat because it can affect the durability & color of the stone. Sudden temperature changes may also fracture some gems, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when wearing such pieces.

  • Most colored gems can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) & a soft brush. Using a new, clean makeup brush & warm, soapy water will also softly clean them.

  • Gemstones are very delicate & need to be handled with care. Although some stones can withstand soapy water when you want to clean them, such a sapphires & rubies, others are too delicate for this. Opaque gemstones, such as jade, lapis, opal, malachite, & turquoise, are porous stones. This means they absorb liquid, so they shouldn’t be cleaned with it. A simple way to clean them is to slightly dampen a lint-free cloth (that’s gentle & won’t cause scratches) and use this to rub away dullness or dirt.

  • Opals require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use chemicals & avoid heat. Don't put your opal ring on the window sill when washing your hands or the dishes as strong sunlight can dry out the water in opals which could cause hazing or color change.

  • Soft stones like lapis, malachite, turquoise, amber and opals can easily be scratched by pin stems, clothing hardware & the edges of other jewelry. Protect pieces with these gemstones by wrapping them in jeweler's tissue & storing separately when not in use.

How to Prevent Tarnish on Sterling Silver:

  • Store clean, dry sterling silver in a dry airtight container, like a ziplock bag.

  • An anti-tarnish strip placed with the stored silver jewelry will also help fight against tarnish. All of our boxes come with one strip & non-tarnishing poly-fill or anti-tarnish black foam. Keeping your jewelry in it’s original packaging will ensure it’s safety!

  • Don’t leave silver jewelry in the bathroom. Humidity can speed up the oxidation process that produces tarnish.

  • Wearing jewelry during physical activities can expose the metal to unwanted moisture and can accidentally scratch or misshape the jewelry in the process. Be mindful & take it off before doing sports, hot yoga, weight lighting, gardening, or any other strenuous movements.

  • Minimize sterling silver’s contact to chemicals (hairspray, perfume, body lotion, bleach, etc.) and do not wear it while washing dishes, taking a shower, or getting into a swimming pool or hot tub.

A general rule of thumb for jewelry lovers: it should be the last thing put on before leaving the house & the first thing removed when returning home. This will help minimize your jewelry’s contact with perfumes, lotions, & other chemicals