Handcrafted jewelry requires a bit more care than mass-produced, factory made items. Please note the following care information to ensure your handmade jewelry item remains beautiful for a long time.
Everyday Care:
- Please store your item in the plastic bag provided to inhibit natural oxidation of the metal. Copper, bronze or silver can quickly acquire a ‘patina’ from natural oxidation.
- Don't sleep in your jewelry.
- Never clean handmade jewelry in ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, or in commercial liquid jewelry cleaners or silver dips. These will damage your piece and ruin softer gems such as turquoise, pearls or opal.
- Avoid exposure/contact with water (don’t bathe or swim with jewelry on)
- Avoid long periods of direct sunlight and/or exposure to tanning beds.
- Avoid exposure to soaps, hairspray, body lotions or oils, creams, perfumes or harsh chemicals such as those found in swimming pools.
- Occasionally wipe your gold or silver items with a jewelry polishing cloth, which are inexpensive and readily available at mass retailers (such as Walmart) in their jewelry department.
About Patina: Untreated copper, bronze and brass surfaces will oxidize and form a patina (or tarnished look) with age and wear. The vintage and/or artisan look is currently considered very trendy and fashionable. The greenish/bluish patina on copper is called Verdigris (pronounced Verd-agree). Some artists treat their creations specially with heat and/or chemicals to obtain various color patinas and the result is very beautiful.
If you prefer to prevent patina from forming, lightly clean your copper pieces once a week using fine steel wool (size 0000; it's very inexpensive and available at any hardware store). Rinse with lukewarm water, pat with a soft clean cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.
Or you can dip your item quickly into a few spoonfuls of Worcestershire Sauce and rinse with lukewarm water. Alternately you can use 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice + a teaspoon of salt. Mix well and give your item a quick lemon bath for a minute or two. Don't allow the jewelry to sit and soak in the lemon juice/salt mixture. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat softly with a soft clean cloth. Air dry completely before storing in an air tight container or zip lock bag.
Anti-Tarnish, Coated or Color Treated Items: Some metals are coated with an anti-tarnish coating or are color-coated. These items should not tarnish and should not be cleaned, except with an occasional lukewarm water rinse followed with a gentle drying with a clean soft cloth.
Tips for Silver, Gold or Gold-Fill: Use a dime-sized drop of Dawn dish soap (this is the only brand I recommend), lightly rub across the surface, rinse well with lukewarm water and pat gently with a soft clean cloth.
Tips for Bronze: Use a commercial bronze metal cleaner, being sure to avoid the stones, beads or gems. Follow the package directions. Store in a zip lock bag or other airtight container when dry. Do not use cleaners intended for silver or gold.
Tips for Brass: Make a solution of mild dish soap (Dawn) and hot water in a small bowl or cup. Place the item in the soapy water. Gently use a soft-bristled tooth brush to remove any visible dirt. If you have stubborn grime in chain links or crevices, it can be loosened by soaking a few minutes in the soapy water and then gently scrubbing with the brush.
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