Handcrafted with Love: Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Handmade Jewellery
Cleaning Silver, Rose/Gold-filled and gemstone jewellery
Precious metals and gemstones can become dull over time with a build-up of grease and dirt and should be cleaned regularly with a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in a mix of lukewarm water and liquid soap. Gently wipe or brush to remove any build up of dirt & grease. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. Use the polishing cloth included in your order to polish metals to a shine. The cloth will turn black with use - this is normal - do not wash it as that will wash out the impregnated polishing compound. Please be aware that harder stones, such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, are less inclined to scratch and can be cleaned regularly. Tourmalines, opals and citrine are softer and should be cleaned only occasionally using the same process of liquid soap and water (Pearls are also incredibly soft - please see separate section below).
Maintaining your Pearl jewellery
Pearls are porous and very soft so it is important to be mindful of what you are exposing them to. Allow hairspray to dissipate & perfume/moisturiser/sun lotion etc to dry before putting on any jewellery, but this is vitally important with pearls. Always remove your pearl jewellery before a shower/bath or swimming, or any active pursuit. Periodically wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove any oils and impurities from your skin - especially important in the summer months when we sweat more and wear sun lotion. Never clean Pearls in a steam or ultrasonic cleaner as this can damage the nacre (outer layer of the pearl). Store in a fabric bag, away from other jewellery, as they are a soft gem and prone to scratches.
Removing Tarnish from Silver & Brass
Silver and Brass can become tarnished from remaining unworn, or from being exposed to products such as sun lotion, perfume or chlorine and detergents.
If the patina has matured and become well established the previously listed cleaning methods above may not fully remove it.
Instead, use a tiny dab of Brasso/Silvo (widely available from supermarkets and online) on a soft cloth and buff off to remove the tarnish. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry well with a lint-free cloth.
Be mindful of any gemstones or pearls also on the jewellery and avoid getting the polishing lotion on them as it can cause damage. Wash off immediately if it does come into contact with them.
For more detailed step-by-step guides with photographs, please browse my blog posts on caring for your jewellery: https://www.catstaceyjewellery.com/blog/categories/tips-and-care-guides
Check settings & findings
Regularly check your stone settings and jewellery findings (clasps and connecting rings) to ensure there have been no knocks or pulls that may have dislodged a stone or opened up any links – if you feel any stones or settings have become loose, let me know and I can ensure this is put right. Please remove any stone set rings while washing up.
Please also remove your jewellery while gardening, swimming, playing sport or any other active pursuit.
It is much easier and quicker than you may have thought to maintain your jewellery. So much love goes into making each piece, and when it is treated with the same love and care, it will last for generations and continue to bring so much joy.
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