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Even the best jewelry gets dirty. Oils from the skin, lotions, and other beauty products,
can tarnish your cherished pieces over time.
You can keep your jewelry looking clean and bright right at home
with a fewsimple steps, and keep professional cleanings to a minimum.
General Cleaning:
Most jewelry can be cleaned in very warm water
with a little dishwashing liquid. Use a soft toothbrush to reach crevices and details.
For heavily grimed pieces
like rings, which take the most abuse and store the most debris, a long soak in a hot, soapy solution prior to hand cleaning
is recommended. If soaking and brushing doesn't seem to have an effect, see your local jeweler to have the piece professionally
cleaned.
Precious Metal Care:
I recommend using
a jewelers cloth such as a Sunshine Polishing Cloth for cleaning and polishing gold, silver, copper and brass jewelry. When
using a Sunshine Cloth, rub the surface to be polished with medium pressure. The cloth retains its special polishing and cleansing
action until the cloth is completely darkened. At this point it should be disposed of. Do not wash the cloth. Sunshine Cloths
are available for purchase. Colored Patina Care:
I often use a special LOS mixture to achieve different colors on
metal in my jewelry designs.It is important to note the patina will slowly darken over time from exposure to the air and
other elements in the environment. Using a metal cleaner will remove the patina and change the look of the piece and may cause
damage to the precious silver or gold. Use either a Sunshine Polishing Cloth or a soft cotton cloth for light cleaning.
When precious metal jewelry requires a more thorough cleaning, gently hand wash in lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild
liquid soap. Allow jewelry to dry thoroughly before polishing and storing. Pearl Care:
Pearls are porous and require
special care. Put your pearls on last to prevent direct contact with perfume, cologne, hair spray, lotions and makeup. Never
use jewelry cleaners; instead wipe your pearls gently with a damp cloth. Wearing your pearls is the best way to care for them.
The oils from your skin will help prevent the pearls from drying out. Do not store pearls in zip-lock baggie’s because
moisture can build up inside a sealed bag and damage your pearls, instead wrap your pearls in a jewelers tissue, a soft cotton
cloth or store directly in a soft jewelry bag. Gemstone Care:
Precious and semi-precious gemstone beads are made
of natural minerals. They are porous and will chip if not cared for properly. When wearing your beads, be careful to not knock
them against hard surfaces. Apply cosmetics and perfume before putting on your jewelry. Cosmetics and perfumes may contain
substances that will discolor your beads or damage the protective outer layer. Do not wear or leave your jewelry exposed to
high temperatures, for example; remove your jewelry before entering a sauna or when you plan to spend long hours in direct
sunlight. Do not wear your jewelry while swimming, as both salt water and chlorine will damage them.
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