Jewelry Care
Jewelry Care - General Do's and Don'ts
Tarnish occurs naturally when certain metals are exposed to air and moisture. Since tarnishing is a natural process, it will happen eventually. However, you can slow the process down by keeping your jewelry away from humidity, chemicals, hair spray, and perfume, so put on your jewelry after your perfume.
Try to keep your jewelry out of the bathroom, shower, kitchen and hot tub. It also helps to store your jewelry in plastic bags with non-tarnish jewelry paper.
Chlorinated water can damage and ruin your jewelry, so remember to remove all jewelry before going near any chemically treated water (i.e. the pool at your gym or any other pool).
Remember the golden rule of jewelry: last on, first off!
14K GOLD FILLED
“Gold-filled” is a USA industry standard that legally requires 1/20th, or 5% pure gold by weight. It’s a strictly regulated process that involves pressure bonding multiple layers of solid 14k gold with extreme heat over a core of high quality jeweler’s brass resulting in a durable, quality real gold product.
HOW TO CARE FOR 14K GOLD FILLED JEWELRY:
- To maintain the shine of your 14k solid gold piece, scrub it lightly with a soft-bristled brush using warm water and detergent-free soap.
- Then, buff gently with a clean cloth.
- Store your pieces in a safe, dry place when not worn to protect them from the elements of daily exposure.
STERLING SILVER
925 Sterling Silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
HOW TO CARE FOR STERLING SILVER JEWELRY:
- Sterling silver jewelry oxidizes when exposed to the elements, so remove your silver jewelry before exercising, washing your hands or showering.
- Always apply perfumes, creams and hair care products before wearing your pieces.
- To clean tarnished sterling silver jewelry, polish it gently with a silver polishing cloth (you can find them at many common retail stores like Target).
- Store in a safe, dry place when not worn to protect them from the elements of daily exposure.
ARGENTIUM
Argentium Silver is an alloy of silver that is highly tarnish resistant. Jewelry metals are often alloyed, or mixed with other metals, to improve their qualities (like their color or durability). Argentium Silver is hypoallergenic for many people, has a beautiful shiny luster, is low maintenance, and has a high tarnish resistance. If you have ever had to polish sterling silver, you can appreciate this fact.
HOW TO CARE FOR ARGENTIUM JEWELRY:
- Argentium silver does not tarnish so polishing is not necessary. To maintain the shine and luster of Argentium silver simply wipe away any dust or finger marks with a soft polishing cloth.
- Wash more intricate pieces in warm soapy water; rinse and dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
- An occasional wipe with a clean silver polishing cloth will help protect Argentium silver from finger marks and everyday dirt and grime.
- Avoid using coarse, contaminated, or old cloths as they may impair the surface luster of Argentium silver.
- As with other precious metals, remove Argentium silver jewelry before entering chlorinated or salt-water swimming baths or Jacuzzis, and before engaging in activities where Argentium could come into contact with chemicals.