I take pride in my work and set high standards in my craftsmanship of my hand crafted accessories. Every product has its own lifespan. Its longevity will depend on the care you give it. Here are some helpful hints on how to look after your pieces.
1. All Sterling Silver jewelry will tarnish with time, as soon as Sterling Silver makes contact with Oxygen, tarnishing will begin. Please note, your Sterling Silver jewelry will not discolor immediately, usually pieces that are cared for will not tarnish for a year or so. Tarnish can easily be taken off your jewelry with a Sterling Silver Polishing Cloth.
1a. As mentioned, to maintain the original condition of your silver jewelry, polish your pieces regularly using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth. You can purchase a silver cloth from us. The center of these cloths can be used to clean the jewelry, the outside of the cloth can be used to buff up the silver and remove any tarnish residue.
2. Soap and water will also help keep your silver looking good, although will not replace the tarnish removing properties of a silver cloth. Remember do not dry silver off with paper towels or tissues, always use a soft cloth. Toothpaste and an old toothbrush is also a good way to remove tarnish from silver.
3. An Ionic Cleaner can be used to clean your jewelry, it is safe for just about all Gems,
4. When you are not wearing your silver jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place. A Zip-lock bag is ideal for this and will help prevent both tarnishing or scratching by other pieces. Every piece I send out comes in its own zip-lock bag, and a cardboard box, it is best to store your jewelry when not wearing it in an air-tight plastic bag.
5. Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs, and try to not make contact with suntan lotion. Also, some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach, these will cause discoloration and also loosen gemstones. Always remove your jewelry before doing household chores, especially when washing dishes.
6. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and commercial jewelry cleaners "dips" especially if the pieces have an oxidized finish. An oxidized finish is often found coating White Gold, Sterling Silver and Platinum Jewelry to give it a more shiny finish. If your White Gold jewelry has lost its luster even after cleaning, you may need to take the jewelry to a local jeweler to have it re-oxidized, this is usually a quick and cheap process to do. Using harsh polishing cleaners, and over-cleaning your jewelry will alter the look of your jewelry.
7. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist cloth until clean.
8. If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, do not immerse in water, as this can loosen some settings. Jo's creation does not set gemstones or pearls in precious metals. Never use dips or abrasives cleaners on gemstones, this is a general rule for set jewelry, not wire wrapped jewelry.
9. Always read instructions on the side of Jewelry Cleaners and Jewelry Cleaner Machines prior to putting your jewelry in it.
10. Do not wear your jewelry to bed, swimming, in the shower or washing dishes. It is best to leave putting on your jewelry until the last moment, after you have put on make-up, used hairspray, body spray or deodorant. This will cut down the tarnish process.
11. Proper care can preserve and extend the life of pearls. Extreme dryness is damaging; pearls are also sensitive to acids, perspiration, cosmetics, and hair spray. Since they are relatively soft, they can be easily scratched. Do not use a Silver Polishing Cloth with Pearl Jewelry. Keep your pearl jewelry separate from other jewelry pieces, so other pieces don't scratch the pearls.
12. Use rubbing alcohol or other disinfectant to clean ear wires each time before you wear them. Take them off before going to sleep. This prevents damage to either you or the earrings!
13. Some stones and beads are dyed so it is best if you do not swim or bathe with jewelleries on. You can test in an inconspicuous spot by wetting a tissue, rubbing lightly, and seeing if any dye rubs off. Ceramics and water do not go together.
14. The safest technique for most jewelry is to rinse in a solution of soapy warm water. Scrub with a very soft brush (if needed). Rinse with warm water and lay the jewelry out to dry on a towel.
15. For organic materials (such as amber, bone, coral, horn, ivory, and pearls) NEVER uses ultrasonic cleaners as they will cause permanent damage to the beads. The same is true for opals and turquoise which are very soft semi-precious stones. When using an ultrasonic cleaner, be sure to follow the directions!
16. To clean the surface of your Opal it’s best to softly rub the Opal with a facial tissue or piece of silk. Do not use chemicals, abrasives, toothpaste or ultrasonic cleaners to clean Opals. A mild soapy luke-warm water solution and a very soft toothbrush may be used for Jewelry set with solid Opals, but it is best not to immerse doublets Opals or triplets in water as the ironstone adhesive may deteriorate. Opals may be damaged by sudden severe temperature changes, such as when wearing an Opal ring whilst cleaning dishes. For this reason it's best not to wear Opals when cleaning dishes or showering.
17. Swarovski Crystal Pearls
Store your pearl jewelers in its soft pouch or padded gift box separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches. An occasional buffing with a soft cloth will help maintain its original lustrous finish. Avoid exposing gold or rhodium plated metal parts to chemicals; reserve your jewelers as a finishing touch of your outfit, after using perfume or hair spray. We also recommend removing all jewelers before taking a bath in a swimming pool.
*** They are sensitive resistant to wear * perspiration * sunrays * scratches * perfumes and washing.
18. Swarovski Crystal Beads
We recommend washing Swarovski crystal by hand in lukewarm water to which a few drops of a mild dish detergent has been added. Then rinse under running water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid spotting and lint spoiling the shine. Under no circumstances should any abrasive or corrosive detergents be used; glass or window-cleaning fluids should also be avoided, as they often cause streaking. When handling your crystal, it is advisable to wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.
The above information is general care and not to be assumed for the care of a specific piece of jewelry. If you have any doubts on cleaning your jewelry, contact your local jeweler, or clean at your own risk. Jo's creation is not responsible for cleaning mishaps!
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