Jewelry Care

Polishing & Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver, and 7.5% other metals-mostly copper (for strength).

Extra love is needed to maintain sterling silver pieces, keeping them looking new for years to come.

Keep away from moisture! This is the leading cause of oxidation (darkening) of silver. Make sure to remove when showering, swimming, or doing anything in water.

Avoid direct contact when applying perfume, lotions, and cleaning supplies.

Store in a clean, dry space. Airtight containers are best.

Do not coat the silver in any anti-tarnish products. If tarnish does happen (this is inevitable and perfectly normal), use the provided polishing cloth to clean. Be mindful of any stones on your piece and try to prevent contact with the polishing cloth as it may scratch it.

If a piece of jewelry has patina (purposely darkened for the look), don’t rub too hard with a polishing cloth or you will rub the patina off 

 

Polishing & Cleaning Mixed Metal Jewelry

 1. Easiest No-Fuss Option

If the tarnish is not too severe, using the polishing cloth mentioned above is your best bet. If the polishing cloth is not enough to remove a heavy build-up of tarnish, you can make a simple solution at home to remove the excess oil & dirt that is preventing you from polishing the silver. Mix a paste of 2 tsp white vinegar & 1tsp baking soda. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste over the piece focusing on those hard to reach areas. Rinse and dry well. Follow with the Sunshine Polishing Cloth. Be mindful of any stones on your piece and try to prevent contact with the paste and toothbrush.

 

2. All-Natural Jewelry Cleaning Option (without stones)

- White vinegar

- 1 tsp lemon juice

- Baking soda

- Old toothbrush

- Soft cloth

- Fine steel wool #0 or #000 (the more 0s, the finer)

 Step 1:

  • In a small bowl, add approximately ¼ cup vinegar

  • In a second small bowl, make a baking soda paste: Use approximately 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vinegar, then add just enough baking soda to make a thick paste (be prepared for fizzing!)

Step 2:

  • Drop jewelry in the plain vinegar (first bowl) and let sit for a few minutes - be sure the piece is completely submerged

  • Remove jewelry and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the baking soda paste (second bowl) all over the piece for another couple of minutes - this will release any dirt and oils on the piece

  • Rinse and dry jewelry with a soft cloth

Step 3:

  • Bracing the piece on a clean, non-metal surface, gently rub in tiny circles using the fine steel wool - be delicate with ear posts, ear wires and chain. Also, be aware that the steel wool will leave tiny scratches on the surface. We use this method to finish our jewelry designs, but if you are cleaning a piece that has a high polish finish, skip this step and simply use a polishing cloth.

 

 

When you are not wearing your jewelry please store it in a safe spot. For example a soft cloth, jewelry box or somewhere it wont get damaged. Keep out of direct sunlight for long periods of time, and away from water.

If for some reason your jewelry breaks, or gets really damaged feel free to email me and we can discuss repairs.

If you follow these steps and regularly care for your jewelry, it will last a lifetime and can be passed down many generations!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me