How to Clean Your Jewelry | Easy Steps

Cleaning jewelry at home is an easy task. But first, there are several points we must cover to really understand how and why to care for our jewelry.  Tarnish is not a sign of poor metal quality or a product defect; it is a result of exposure to elements. Metals naturally oxidize over time and develop a normal patina from wear, which is not a product defect.  In order to better understand this process we will cover how to care for different materials.   

Sterling Silver                                                                                                            

925 sterling silver is the material of choice since it has a brilliant shine and has a luxurious touch.  It's also popular due to its hypoallergenic qualities and most people will not have an allergic reaction.  Since 925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, it can tarnish.  This is completely normal and nothing to worry about! 

How to Properly Care for Your Jewelry                                                                   

There are several different ways to polish sterling silver. The most common and effective way is to use a polish pad. Cloths for cleaning jewelry can be found at any jewelry store or online. Gently polish the surface making long, straight strokes. Soon your jewelry will look like new! 

You can also avoid contact with substances like oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, perfume, cream, etc as they may react and cause tarnishing.  If wearing perfume or cream/lotion please apply and ensure that it is absorbed and dry before wearing your jewelry.

Plated Metal                                                                                                              

Our plated jewelry is made by covering a base metal with a thin layer of gold or sterling silver. Over time, it will eventually wear away despite your best attempts to preserve it. Plating is mutable and will tarnish: this is not a bad thing and in fact can be quite lovely. Lightly wipe your plated jewelry with a soft jewelry polishing cloth to gently restore shine. This will help eliminate any dirt or dust from accumulating on the surface and wearing away the plated layer. Do not polish plated jewelry often- the more you polish, the more the plating is worn away. Keep plated jewelry away from hard surfaces, as bumps and scratches will cause the plated layer to wear away faster. Do not bathe, swim, soak, sauna, or steam in your plated jewelry. Not only will this tarnish the plating, it can actually hasten its separation from the metal below and cause further oxidization.

You can also avoid contact with substances like oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, perfume, cream, etc as they may react and cause tarnishing.  If wearing perfume or cream/lotion please apply and ensure that it is absorbed and dry before wearing your jewelry.

Pearls, Stones & Crystals                                                                                         

Pearls, stones, and crystals are fragile and require more care than other types of jewelry. Use a soft, lint-free cloth, not a polishing cloth, to wipe your jewelry after you take it off. If your pearls, stones, or crystals have become dull, use a damp cloth to gently pat them clean and then let them dry flat. Do not use any chemicals or cleaners.

You can also avoid contact with substances like oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, perfume, cream, etc as they may react and cause tarnishing.  If wearing perfume or cream/lotion please apply and ensure that it is absorbed and dry before wearing your jewelry.