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Caring for your Jewelry
1- Sterling silver
With time, sterling silver jewelry will naturally start to become oxidized. Exposure to air, make-up, perspiration,...will increase this muted silvery-gray finish. While this antique feeling it gives to a piece may be appreciated by some, you may rather a brighter, shinier piece. The best way to protect your sterling silver jewelry from oxidation is by keeping the piece stored in a sealed plastic bag when not being worn. this keeps it out the air.
To preserve your piece's initial polish, we recommend using a non-abrasive silver polish cloth at least once a month to help maintain your jewelry's shine.
Swimming in chlorinated water can severely damage precious metals and gemstones. Try to avoid swimming pools while wearing your jewelry.
At times when oxidation does take place, a silver polish cloth should bring back the original shine. Please, for your jewelry's sake, do not use harsh silver polish. This will likely damage cultured pearls and some gemstones.
Tarnish Tarnish (unwanted oxidation) is caused by the chemical element, sulfur, commonly found in foods such as eggs, mayonnaise and mustard. Also found in many dandruff shampoos, creams, cosmetics and soaps. You can slow tarnish by simply keeping silver protected...following the tips above or keeping larger pieces in a silver chest or drawer with a tarnish preventive drawer liner, and by occasionally using tarnish preventive polishes.
2- Stones
An unfortunate effect of natural stones is that long exposure to direct sunlight will cause many of your gemstones to loose their color. They will actually fade. To avoid this, please do not store your jewelry in direct sunlight. SOme gemstone are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaners as they are too porous or may shatter. Examples of these are cultured pearls and emeralds.
3- Pearls
Pearls will often lose their shine after being in contact with perspiration. You may wish to gently wash your pearl jewelry in lukewarm water with a mild soap. This should restore the pearls' natural glow.
4- Gold
14K Gold fill and 14K gold is relatively easy to maintain. Dusting or polishing with a cloth will usually do the trick. A gentle gold cleaner can be used on the gold, BUT beware of using an abrasive substance on pearls and stones.
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