Careguide

JEWELRY CARE

Proper care will help ensure your jewelry stays beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips to keep your pieces in excellent condition:

Avoid lotions, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or doing strenuous activities to extend its life.

Be mindful of softer stones, like turquoise and opals, which are more prone to damage and should be handled with extra care.

SILVER

  • Use a soft or silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and dirt.
  • Clean with warm water and gentle soap, then dry thoroughly.
  • Store silver in a tarnish-resistant cloth or box in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing silver with rubber materials, as these can cause tarnish.

BRASS

  • Brass naturally tarnishes over time. Store it in a cool, dry place to slow this process.
  • Polish tarnished brass with extra fine steel wool to remove buildup and restore its matte finish.

GOLD

  • Clean gold jewelry with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap in warm water.
  • Avoid wearing gold while cooking, cleaning, showering, gardening, or exercising to prevent damage.
  • Gold is a soft metal, so handle it with care to avoid scratches or bends.

14K GOLD FILL

  • Unlike gold plating, 14k gold fill is made with a durable layer of 14k gold bonded to a base metal, designed to last a lifetime.
  • Wipe gold-filled pieces with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt.

OPAL CARE

Opals are delicate stones and require special care to avoid damage:

  • Remove opal jewelry during physical activities like gardening, cleaning, or exercising.
  • Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, chlorine, and bleach.
  • Never subject opals to extreme temperatures or humidity changes.

Australian Opals: Solid Australian opals are water-resistant but should still be handled carefully. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush.

Opal Doublets: These consist of a thin opal layer bonded to a backing. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, as it can seep between the layers and cause separation. Use a damp soft cloth for cleaning.

Ethiopian & Cantera Opals: These are “hydrophane,” meaning they absorb water and oils, which can dull their fire. Keep these pieces dry and clean with a soft linen cloth.

HERRINGBONE CHAINS

Herringbone chains are delicate and require extra care:

  • Always store them flat to avoid kinks.
  • Remove before sleeping or doing any activity where the chain might bend or snag.
  • Chemicals from lotions, cosmetics, and shampoos can corrode the metal, so avoid wearing the chain when applying products.
  • Clean gently with mild soap and warm water, using a soft toothbrush to remove grime. Do not pull the chain through a polishing cloth, as this can damage the links.

Taking these steps will help preserve the beauty and integrity of your handcrafted jewelry. If you have questions about care for a specific piece, feel free to reach out!