Jewelry Care and Maintenance

IMPORTANT: Most jewelry pieces are made with an alloy containing metals that react with chemicals found in air and produce tarnish; high moisture levels, exposure to sunlight and contaminants such as salt water increase this reaction. Take steps to protect sterling silver by keeping it in airtight packages, use tarnish-resistant products (such as tarnish tabs or strips) that absorb harmful chemicals, and store sterling findings in a cool, dry place. Most tarnish is easily removed by polishing with a mild abrasive or soaking in an anti-tarnish solution.

Avoid Getting Wet
Remove Before Sleep
Avoid Contact with Perfumes
Remove Before Exercising
Clean and Polish with a soft cloth
Store when not in use

DIY Sterling Silver Cleaner

Materials:

  • Aluminum Foil
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt
  • Dawn dishwashing liquid
  • Plastic or glass container with flat bottom
Instructions
  • Line the container with aluminum foil.
  • Fill the container with warm water and equal parts baking soda and salt (use at least a teaspoon of each, though depending on the size of your container you may need more.)
  • Place the tarnished piece on the aluminum foil and let it sit for at
    least 10 minutes. 
Be careful if your pieces contain other elements, such as beads or pearls. I recommend this method for jewelry that just contains
silver and no other embellishments. Depending on how tarnished your jewelry is, you may need to do an additional cleaning. Always avoid the chemical cleaners located in the jewelry aisles.  They are the absolute worst thing you can do for your jewelry!

DIY Copper Cleaner

  • Lemon Juice & Salt--Mix together 1 tbs lemon juice and 1 tbs salt. Rub on the components with your fingers or a cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry.
  • White Vinegar & Salt--Mix together 1 cup vinegar and 1 tbs salt. For best results, submerge the tarnished copper into the vinegar and salt solution for 5 minutes. Best results with hot water.
  • Baking Soda & Salt--Cover the inside of a bowl with aluminum foil. Pour 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp salt into the bowl. Fill half way with hot water. Mix contents and submerge the jewelry for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry.
  • Ketchup and water--Lightly cover the piece with ketchup and let sit for a few minutes. Let the ketchup sit for a few minutes. Rub vigorously with a non-scratch pad or cloth. Wash with water and dry.

Note: Copper will naturally darken; especially with environmental factors.  You can always put some Protectaclear spray on it or even some auto wax to help prolong the shine.