Jewelry Care
Although brass jewelry is beautiful it does require extra care. Stainless steel is very durable and low-maintenance, and 925 sterling silver offers elegance with the need for regular cleaning to prevent tarnish.
Each metal has unique qualities, so choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Want more details regarding the different metal materials, lifespan of your jewelry or additional general questions you may have please click below
JEWELRY CARE FOR
BRASS MATERIAL
When it comes to brass jewelry, proper care is essential for maintaining its beauty and longevity. Exposure to chemicals, like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products, can cause the metal to tarnish and lose its natural luster. Similarly, moisture from water or sweat can speed up the oxidation process, leading to discoloration over time. By avoiding contact with chemicals and minimizing exposure to moisture, you can help ensure your brass jewelry stays vibrant and retains its charm for years to come.
Brass jewelry tarnishes due to the natural oxidation process that occurs when the metal comes into contact with oxygen, moisture, and certain chemicals. This process causes the brass to develop a darker patina or discoloration over time.
STEP BY STEP CLEANING GUIDE
FOR BRASS MATERIAL
A great DIY method for keeping your brass jewelry clean is using a simple mixture of common household ingredients that are gentle on the metal. Here’s a step-by-step process:
CREATE THE CLEANING PASTE:
In a small bowl, mix equal parts lemon juice (or white vinegar) and baking sodato create a paste. The acidity in the lemon juice or vinegar helps break down tarnish, while the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to remove grime.
APPLY THE PASTE:
Use your fingers or a soft cloth to apply the paste to the brass jewelry. If the piece has intricate details or hard-to-reach spots, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub those areas.
LET IT SIT:
Allow the paste to sit on the jewelry for 5-10 minutes, depending on the level of tarnish. This gives the acid time to loosen the tarnish.
RINSE AND DRY:
After letting it sit, rinse the jewelry under lukewarm water to wash away the paste. Make sure to dry the piece thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent any moisture from remaining, which could lead to further tarnishing.
POLISH:
Once dry, gently buff the brass jewelry with a clean microfiber cloth to restore its shine. If you want an extra shine, you can add a small drop of olive oil to the cloth for a light polish.
STORE IT PROPERLY:
To prevent future tarnish, store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container with anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets.
JEWELRY CARE FOR
925 STERLING SILVER
Sterling silver jewelry, marked as 925, is a popular choice for its beautiful luster and durability. However, it is prone to tarnishing over time due to the presence of a small amount of copper in the alloy, which reacts with sulfur, moisture, and other elements in the air. This reaction forms a dark coating on the surface, dulling its shine.
Fortunately, tarnishing can be minimized with proper care. Simple steps like keeping the jewelry dry, storing it in airtight containers, and regularly cleaning it can help preserve and keep it looking like new for years.
STEP BY STEP CLEANING GUIDE
A simple DIY method to keep 925 sterling silver jewelry clean is to use a baking soda and water paste. This technique helps remove light tarnish and restore the silver's shine without damaging it. Here’s how to do it:
PREPARE THE CLEANING PASTE:
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a thick paste. For example, use three tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water. The paste should be thick enough to stick to the jewelry.
APPLY THE PASTE TO THE JEWELRY:
Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush to apply the paste onto the jewelry. Gently rub the paste in circular motions, especially on tarnished areas, to lift off the discoloration.
RINSE THOROUGHLY:
Rinse the jewelry under lukewarm running water to wash away all the baking soda paste. Make sure all residue is removed.
DRY AND BUFF:
Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the silver to restore the shine.
JEWELRY CARE FOR
STAINLESS STEEL
While stainless steel jewelry is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing, it is not completely immune to discoloration. Over time, factors like exposure to harsh chemicals, saltwater, and high humidity can cause the protective chromium layer to wear down, leading to tarnish or dullness. Additionally, contact with body oils, sweat, and environmental pollutants can contribute to surface changes. Understanding these causes and taking simple steps to minimize exposure can help maintain the jewelry's original shine and appearance for years.
With proper care, stainless steel jewelry can last a lifetime and still look nearly as good as new. It is highly durable and resistant to rust, tarnish, and corrosion, making it a great choice for long-lasting jewelry.
GENERAL CLEANING SOLUTION + 3 ADDITIONAL
The most common way to clean stainless steel jewelry is by using mild soap and warm water. This method is gentle yet effective at removing dirt, oils, and light tarnish. For jewelry that needs more in depth cleaning use one of these three methods.
BAKING SODA PASTE:
Materials Needed: Baking soda and water.
Instructions: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the jewelry with a soft cloth, gently rub in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and dry. This method can help remove more stubborn dirt or light tarnish.
VINEGAR AND WATER SOLUTION:
Materials Needed: White vinegar and water.
Instructions: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Vinegar can help dissolve any mineral deposits or grease on the jewelry.
TOOTHPASTE POLISH:
Materials Needed: Non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft cloth or toothbrush.
Instructions: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the jewelry and gently scrub. Rinse off the toothpaste under warm water and dry thoroughly. Toothpaste can work as a mild abrasive to polish stainless steel.