Sterling Silver Jewellery Care

Silver is a soft metal and can easily be scratched if cleaned with harsh chemical cleaners. The copper content in sterling silver is what makes it oxidize so quickly when exposed to the air. To slow down this oxidizing (tarnishing) process, store your jewelry in a sealed plastic bag.

Use a polishing cloth to clean slightly tarnished silver jewellery. Polishing cloths are available in most supermarkets and jewelry shops. More tarnished silver jewellery can be cleaned with silver polishing paste.

To avoid removing the oxide from a silver product, paste should be applied moderately. Apply the polishing paste with a soft cloth and clean the jewellery. To prevent the paste from causing stains on clothing, rub the paste off and wash the jewellery with warm water and very mild detergent.

Silver Chain can also be cleaned as instructed above. When cleaning a piece of jewellery, avoid rubbing any precious stones near or around it.

For a quick fix, I have used white tooth paste rubbed on with a fingertip. This is, of course, your decision, but I have never had any problems with this method.

Brass Jewellery Care

Your brass jewellery should turn a gorgeous bronze colour with age, if you notice your piece becoming dull or spotted anywhere or turning green or blue, you can clean it with some brass polish or a brass polishing cloth – both are likely to be available at your local supermarket.

After polishing, wash the piece with detergent and warm water, then dry immediately.

If you have sensitive skin it is advisable to purchase sterling silver, gold, or nickel-free jewellery.

Copper Jewellery Care

Keep your copper jewelry in a cool, dry place. Copper naturally darkens over time, and heat will cause the natural patina to occur faster. Place on an anti-tarnish cloth or in a resealable bag to keep air out.

Remove copper jewelry before getting into any water. This includes swimming, washing hands and dishes and bathing. Remove copper jewelry before applying lotion or oil. The lubricants will coat the metal and cause it to tarnish and darken.

Use a polishing cloth for everyday cleaning. Rub the surface with enough force to clean but not to bend the metal. Use a commercial polish or tarnish remover for a deeper cleaning. Apply with a clean, soft cloth, buff, rinse with water and dry. Wear gloves when using tarnish remover.

Homemade Copper Cleaner Methods
- Mix a natural copper cleaner by boiling water in a 2-quart pot. Dissolve 1 tbsp. salt and 1 cup vinegar in the water. Dip jewelry in to remove discoloration, then rinse and dry.
- Make a paste of lemon juice and salt for concentrated cleaning. Rub with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.
- Mix flour with lemon juice and salt to create a thicker paste. This will allow the paste to be applied and soak on area-specific spots.

Beadwoven Jewellery Care

These pieces are made from tiny glass beads and thread. As any other piece of valued jewelry it requires special care.

Please store your beadwoven items in the original package in a dry place that is protected from direct sunlight. I use only high quality materials in my creations; however, many types of seed beads can tarnish, change, or even loose their color if stored in high moisture, heat or sunlight. Those conditions may also damage the thread, making it brittle. A soft pouch will prevent seed beads, crystals and gems in your woven items from chipping and scratching. Avoid dropping or tossing your beadwoven jewelry onto hard surfaces.

Never expose beadwoven jewelry to water, perfume or any other chemicals (including soap and other detergents, crèmes, lotions, disinfectants, etc.). Do not wear it when doing dishes, taking showers or swimming. Make sure to take it off before going to bed.

If these recommendations for care are not followed, I cannot guarantee your complete satisfaction with my products, nor their durability. When properly cared for beadwoven jewelry will serve you for many years to come and may even stay in your family for generations.