I'm often asked how to care for hand crafted artisan jewelry. I thought the topic important enough that it should have it's own page.

 

•   Wear it!! The natural oils in your skin help to keep it shiny & bright. Sunlight and air speed up the oxidation of silver. When you are not wearing your jewelry, keeping all pieces in sealed plastic pouch or plastic container with a lid will slow down this process. Pearls need air, if your piece is created with pearls allow some airspace.

 

•   Do not use jewelry dips, tumblers or liquid polishes, these chemicals can & do harm some gemstones. Simply polish with a soft cloth, using water &/or a bit of mild dishwashing liquid if necessary to remove any traces of make-up or dirt. Tarnish can be removed with a blue jewelers polishing cloth. 

 

•   Don't shower or bathe with it on, water (yes, even municipal treated water) contains minerals (some heavy) that can discolor silver, all municipal water has some amount of chlorine in it, this can and will etch all metals, including silver and gold. Mineral pools are particularly harmful to jewelry.

 

•   Always put on your jewelry last, after make-up, perfumes, lotions and hairspray, being particularly careful with any soft & porous gemstones such as pearls, turquoise & opals. 

 

•   Your jewelry is created for a lifetime of wear. However, as with all fine jewelry, it is not meant to be abused. Dry it with a soft cloth if it gets wet, don’t swim with it on, avoid bleach and cleaning chemicals when wearing any fine jewelry. It is usually best to remove your jewelry before going to bed at night.

 

•   Some gemstones are harder than others, however all gemstones,  crystal & glass beads can chip or crack if knocked hard enough, or sometimes just at an odd angle. Don’t hesitate to contact me for repairs should any damage occur to any piece you’ve purchased from me.

 

•   If your piece contains heavy or large beads, it should be restrung after a couple of years of normal wear, maybe sooner if you wear your piece often. No charge for restringing. Examine your pieces occasionally, particularly near clasps,  if you notice any signs of unusual wear or damage, please contact me for repair.