Jewelry Care

Silver is a soft metal and pure silver can be almost impossible to make any sort of functional object from. Therefore, .925 sterling silver is the most common form of sterling silver; the piece is made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% some other material, typically copper. This article will teach you proper sterling silver jewelry care.

  • The best way to store your sterling silver jewelry is in a dry, clean and sealed container/bag. Like a Ziploc bag.
  • Use an anti-tarnish strips or a piece of chalk in the jewelry box to absorb airborne chemicals and will help fight against tarnishing.
  • Avoid storing your sterling silver jewelry in a humid place, like the bathroom. Humidity will speed up oxidation process that causes tarnishing.
  • Always remove your sterling silver jewelry before putting on lotions, hairsprays, swimming, household cleaning, or other activities that may cause you to encounter abrasive substances.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, and vinegar to get in contact with your sterling silver jewelry.
  • Clean your sterling silver jewelry with polishing cloth to remove the tarnish. We recommend Connoisseurs Dry Wipes - use fresh cloth and lightly buff your sterling silver using light pressure.
  • Always remember to read commercial cleaning instructions carefully before using it.

 

Taking Care of Pearl Jewelry

  • Pearls, unlike other gemstones, are very delicate.
  • We suggest you store your pearl jewelries in a pouch away from sharp angles of diamonds and other gemstones.
  • After wearing your pearl jewelry, always wipe your pearl with a soft cloth dampened from time to time in lightly salted water. This is to protect your pearl necklace from harmful acids which it absorbs when worn due to skin perspiration, soap, powder, perfume and other elements. It is unavoidable that a pearl necklace for example will constantly be in close contact with the woman's skin on her neck at the shoulder line. But if you do not take care of your pearl jewelry, over time the pearl will not only lose its luster, but might become barrel-shaped.
  • Also remember that pearls and heat do not mix. Heat can turn pearls brown or dry them out and make them crack. Dry air can also damage pearls.
  • You can also use a drop of olive oil to help maintain a pearl's luster. After you wear pearls, just pour a drop of olive oil on a soft cloth or chamois and then left to dry. This will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre.
  • You can also use jewelry cleaners labeled as safe for pearls.
  • If pearls have not been kept clean and are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your jeweler or they can be cleaned using special pearl cleaner.
  • From time to time, you can have you jeweler verify if the pearls are securely mounted or if the stringing is still good.