You are on the right path to make the most of your jewelry. In this page, you will learn how to take care of your silver jewelry.
Your silver jewelry is so unique and valuable that if you want it to last generations and pass it along to family, sisters, friends, or god-daughters, then you need to understand important things about maintaining your silver jewelry. Be considerate of the energy, time, and money that your piece embodies (as anything else in life!). Follow these tips, and most likely your piece will have a long history to tell!
First of all, what is it made of?
The main silver pieces of my designs are made of Fine Silver, which means that they are 99.9% pure silver. My creations are made using an innovative and high-tech form of silver. I use Precious Silver Metal Clay, which is recycled fine silver particles mixed with an organic binder. When fired in a kiln at high temperatures, it disintegrates leaving behind just the pure silver particles, which are fused together.
I also use Sterling Silver in chains and other small components as a complement to my designs.
I might also use leather, faux suede leather, or any other material that will benefit a design. Proper care instructions can also be found for a specific product under the Additional Information tab.
Things to keep in mind
- My silver designs are made using the highest temperature to yield the strongest piece available, so your pendants, earrings, and bracelets are strong for their purpose. However, you need to understand that anything can break if it falls hard, or if it is mistreated, so be careful taking your jewelry off and putting it on!
- Some designs are naturally more delicate than others. For example, thin branches not supported by any other silver part of the design might be more likely to bend or break because there is no extra support to protect them. Consequently, be mindful of not getting caught on something that will exert a force on the jewelry and break it.
- Components, such as open jump rings, leather cord ends, end caps, rivets, etc., are considered cold connections, meaning that there is no fusion or solder involved. So if you tug, or pull strongly on them, they could become loose. For example, try pulling a magnetic clasp from the clasp itself rather than from the chain. The chain likely will have a connection to an open jump ring that can open after repetitive pulling.
- Avoid hard chemicals, soaps, lotions, and hairsprays when wearing your jewelry. If wearing cosmetics and perfume, do this before putting your jewelry on.
- Do not sleep or shower with your silver jewelry.
- Because of the purity of your Fine Silver jewelry, if you just drop them in a box with other metals, they will scratch. Insert each pendant, for example, in its individual box (with an anti-tarnish tab), or in an anti-tarnishing bag, or in a small Ziploc bag.
- Use common sense with jewelry and stones. I do not recommend ultrasonic cleaning.
- Since some designs will have a mix of fine silver and sterling silver, you can store your jewelry in an airtight bag, such as a Ziploc bag, but make sure all air is out because sterling silver will tarnish faster when exposed to air.
- The Keep Me Protected and Shiny Set should be used for storage and care to help reduce tarnishing and to shine the piece / remove oxidation. You can also keep the silica packet in the box as this helps reduce moisture. Also, the pro polishing pad in the set will get black after multiple uses but will continue to work and last a long time.
Storage:
Store your jewelry away from light, in the original box or in a small Ziploc bag, or in an individual anti-tarnish bag with a 3M tarnish tab inside. 3M tarnish tabs are great to prevent tarnish, but they should be replaced every 6 months to a year. Also, you can use a silica gel packet inside your jewelry box as s this will help keep moisture out. Clean it with a soft cloth after each use to remove dirt and sweat.
DIY cleaning
Over time your precious metal clay jewelry may develop some tarnish, such as yellowing or darkening in some areas. It will most likely happen around the edges and tips of the jewelry. Here are some tips for what you can do at home for this, but do keep in mind that if your design has a patina finish you may remove some of it while cleaning it:
- Wash it occasionally in a phosphate-free soap with some warm water. Use a soft brush, and gently clean it. Dry it with a soft cloth.
- Buy some silver polishing cloths. I recommend pro polishing tabs best to remove tarnish. A cotton t-shirt of flannel to buff and give extra shine after the previous step.
- You can make a paste of baking soda and water and use a soft brush. Be gentle as this is more aggressive and can scratch the metal, but is possibly more effective for stubborn areas.
- If areas are tight, use a toothpick with cotton, or cotton swabs and follow the previous steps.
- Jewelry with Cubic Zirconia stones can be cleaned by using warm water with mild dish-washing liquid, don’t worry too much about the proportions. Let it soak for a couple of minutes and then use a soft brush.
- If you want to remove all tarnish and clean any type of silver (but be careful because some designs have the “black” patina on purpose) you can boil water, and use foil aluminum as your container, and add baking soda.
Please contact me for further support or custom cleaning requests.