How to care for...
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a delicate metal that requires some special care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for your sterling silver:
- Avoid exposing your sterling silver to household chemicals, such as bleach and chlorine, as they can tarnish the metal.
- Store your sterling silver in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. A fabric-lined jewelry box or a tarnish-resistant bag is a good option.
- Keep your sterling silver jewelry clean by using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish it. You can also use a polishing cloth specifically designed for silver, or a mild soap and water to clean your sterling silver.
- If your sterling silver becomes tarnished, you can use a silver polishing solution or paste to restore its shine. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the product carefully, as some solutions can be harsh and may damage the metal if not used correctly.
- To prevent tarnish, you can apply a thin layer of silver polish or a tarnish-resistant spray to your sterling silver jewelry. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
By following these tips, you can help keep your sterling silver looking beautiful for years to come.
Gold Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, such as brass or copper. While it is not solid gold, it has a much higher gold content than gold-plated jewelry and can last for many years with proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your gold-filled jewelry:
- Avoid exposing your gold-filled jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as bleach and chlorine, as they can damage the gold finish.
- Store your gold-filled jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. A fabric-lined jewelry box or a tarnish-resistant bag is a good option.
- Keep your gold-filled jewelry clean by using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish it. You can also use a mild soap and water to clean your gold-filled jewelry.
- If your gold-filled jewelry becomes tarnished, you can use a gold polishing solution or paste to restore its shine. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the product carefully, as some solutions can be harsh and may damage the metal if not used correctly.
- To prevent tarnish, you can apply a thin layer of gold polish or a tarnish-resistant spray to your gold-filled jewelry. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
By following these tips, you can help keep your gold-filled jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.
Brass
Here are some care instructions for brass jewelry:
- Store brass jewelry in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposing brass jewelry to water, perfume, and other chemicals, as they can cause tarnish and damage.
- Clean brass jewelry regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up. To clean brass jewelry, you can use a commercial brass cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts vinegar and salt. Apply the cleaner to the jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying.
- If your brass jewelry has a patina finish, be extra careful when cleaning it. Patina is a thin layer of tarnish that forms on the surface of brass over time and gives it a distinctive appearance. Patina can be easily damaged or removed by harsh cleaners or abrasive cloths.
- To prevent tarnish from forming on brass jewelry, you can apply a coat of wax or a clear lacquer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool on brass jewelry, as they can scratch the surface.
If your brass jewelry becomes particularly dirty or tarnished, you may need to have it professionally cleaned. A jeweler can use specialized techniques and equipment to restore the jewelry to its original condition.
Stones (Cabachons)
Cabochons are gemstones that have been cut and polished into a convex shape, without any facets. They are commonly used in jewelry making.
The following are some guidelines for caring for cabochons:
- Clean your cabochons with a soft cloth or brush and mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
- Avoid exposing your cabochons to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and bleach, and to extreme temperatures.
- Store your cabochons separately, in a soft cloth or velvet-lined box, to avoid scratches and damage.
- When wearing cabochon jewelry, be mindful of potential impact and friction, as it may cause scratches or chip the stone.
- Some cabochons are porous or have fractures, be especially careful when cleaning these types of cabochons, avoid using ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaning.
Keep in mind that different types of cabochons may have different care instructions, so consult a professional or do research on the specific care instructions for your cabochons.