Caring for Your Jewelry

GENERAL JEWELRY CARE

Jewelry should not be worn while swimming or showering and should be removed before exercise.

The darkening in the letters or designs in hand stamped jewelry may begin to lighten in color over time.  To touch up, use a black permanent pen to darken the desired letter(s) or design(s), allow to dry for several minutes, and then remove the excess ink from the surface of the piece using an alcohol pad.

 

METAL-SPECIFIC CARE

Aluminum

Caring for aluminum is easy!  Simply wipe fingerprints and body oils from the surface with a soft cloth.  Do not use other cleaners as they can damage the metal.

Copper and Brass

Copper and brass will naturally darken with time.  Many factors, including climate and the specific chemistry of your body, can speed up or slow down this process.  For my antiqued copper and brass lines, I chemically induce darkening of the metal to give it a rustic look.  I cover these specific pieces with a coating that helps to prevent natural oxidation (darkening).  However, it will still darken naturally.  If desired, the metal can be cleaned in a solution of 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of salt.  Please keep in mind, however, that removing the natural oxidation will also remove the darkening I added to the piece, leaving you with a shiny copper or brass piece instead of the rustic-looking copper/brass.  If desired, a cotton swab can be used to apply the solution to specific areas of the darkened metal instead of submerging the entire piece.  To help prevent excess darkening, copper and brass jewelry should be stored in a resealable plastic baggie to help eliminate contact with the elements that may cause the metal to turn faster.

Pewter

Caring for pewter is easy.  Simply use a mild soap, water, and a soft cloth to keep it clean.  Like all jewelry, it is best to not wear pewter during activities such as sports or heavy cleaning to prevent damage.

Fine and Sterling Silver

Both types of silver can be cleaned with a polishing cloth.  Some pieces have a protective coating applied that will help prevent excess tarnish.  We recommend simply using a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt that has accumulated on pieces that have the coating.

 

MAINTAINING A MATTE/BRUSHED/SATIN FINISH:

To maintain a matte or brushed finish on your piece, use a green scrub pad or scouring pad (Scotch brand works well) to gently rub in one direction across the surface of the metal.  Continue to rub until the piece achieves the desired matte or brushed appearance.  For a satin finish, substitute fine steel wool (000) in place of the scrub pad.  If the darkening of the letters begins to fade while touching up the finish, use the instructions under "General Jewelry Care" to touch up the darkening.  The finish should then be applied again as a final touch.