How to Care for Your Jewellery

 

Jewellery care requires regular effort as tarnish and the wearing away of plating is caused by very common elements: air (oxidation), moisture (sweat, water) and chemicals (hairspray, perfume, lotions, etc.).

 

Here are the easiest steps to follow:

Put jewellery on after applying makeup, hairspray, perfume, and lotion. Avoid wearing your jewellery to the salon or spa, into the bath or shower (chlorine, soap film) or lake (pollutants), or while exercising or spending time in high heat or humidity. Don`t store jewellery in the bathroom (humidity).

 

Follow these basic steps to clean your jewellery after wearing:

 

Gold, sterling, 14K gold fill, brass, bronze, copper:

Use a jewellery polishing cloth or use a soft cloth with mild dish soap (like Sunlight) and warm water to clean. Rinse and dry thoroughly. 

 

Jewellery with a brushed or matte surface (not plated): 

Clean with a soft toothbrush and a paste made from baking soda, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

 

Plated jewellery, including vermeil (gold plating over sterling), and jewellery that has been oxidised (antiqued) or given a patina finish:

Plating has a definite lifespan - here`s how to extend it: clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Be careful to wipe rather than rub. Dry thoroughly. Do not wear while sleeping (additional rubbing wears plating faster). Never use chemical cleaners or anything abrasive. 

 

Stones & pearls:

Handling can lead to a build up of skin oils, dulling the appearance. Use a soft brush or cloth with mild dish soap (like Sunlight) and warm water to clean. Dry thoroughly. 

 

If you are storing your jewellery after cleaning, store it in an airtight baggie, squeezing the air out as you close it. Place silver anti-tarnish strips in the baggie or your jewellery storage container to absorb oxidants.

 

Jewellers`polishing cloths, like the ones we have used for over 20 years, are available at Kindred Shop + Studio and are great for gold, sterling, brass, bronze, copper and glass.  We do not recommend using a chemical dip.

​