Jewellery Care

Precious Metals
Sterling Silver will tarnish and gold will oxidize with exposure to air. To minimize oxidation, store silver and gold jewelry in sealed plastic bags. You should never use abrasive silver or metal polish on precious metal jewelry nor should you use toothpaste. The abrasives will wear away some of the metal and if the piece has had patina applied, totally remove that too. The best way to remove tarnish or oxidation is by using a Rouge Cloth (special jewelry polishing cloth). Ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for most gemstones. A jewelers cloth such as a Rouge Cloth can also be used for cleaning gold, silver, copper and brass jewelry. When using a Rouge 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 and it lasts for years. At this point it should be disposed of. Do not wash the cloth.

 Gemstones
Precious and semi-precious gemstone beads are made of natural minerals and are quite porous and will chip if not cared for properly. When wearing your beads, be careful not to 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 expose your jewelry to high temperatures. 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. Most gemstones should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner