Jewelry Care
Even with the best care, all sterling silver jewelry will tarnish. Below are some tips on how to care for and store your handmade jewelry.
My work is made to last a lifetime, or more. However, it can still be damaged with rough wear. Please treat it with care.
You should ALWAYS remove your jewelry:
• before swimming or bathing,
• before washing/sanitizing your hands or preparing food,
• before using cleaning products or abrasives, and
• before strenuous activity.
Never wear your sterling silver jewelry in natural hot springs or chlorine pools of any kind.
To keep your handmade jewelry shinier, longer:
Store in a dry area; many people store their sterling silver jewelry in sealed containers with an anti-tarnish tab (included with your order inside the gift box). These need to be replaced every six months or so, and are readily available online. Search "3M anti-tarnish tab" for replacements. Do not leave your jewelry on the bathroom counter as the higher humidity will cause your jewelry to tarnish quicker.
Periodically clean your jewelry with a polishing cloth, also readily available online. Sometimes, polishing cloths can remove the patina that was intentionally applied to highlight details, so you must practice care and only polish the areas that you want shiny again. Please note, no patina is permanent.
Always put your jewelry on as the last step in getting ready. Contact with hair spray and perfumes can prematurely tarnish your piece, although it can be easily removed with the above-mentioned polishing cloths.
A Note On Stones: All stones may chip or crack with wear, but are tested for durability before setting. Please use care and be gentle with your gems to avoid scratches or cracks. Turquoise and Variscites are softer than other stones used in jewelry making. You may also notice your turquoise or variscite change colour over time. This is because the stones are naturally porous, and can absorb the natural oils produced by your hair and body.
Worth Noting: your new handmade jewelry has been sealed with a museum-grade wax to slow down the tarnish process, as well as protect from dirt, moisture, and fingerprints. While this serves as a wonderful protective measure, the silver will still tarnish over time, as is the nature of sterling.