Proper Care for Your Handmade Jewelry __________________________________________________________________ First I want to mention basic care for all your jewelry, regardless of what it's made from. Never swim, bath or use household cleaners while wearing your jewelry. You should remove your jewelry before you apply lotions, makeup and hair products, and you should remove your jewelry while sleeping. If you follow these basic rules you will prolong the life and quality of your jewelry. How to care for your sterling silver jewelry. Sterling silver will tarnish over time, but luckily it is easy to take care of and keep clean. One of easiest things to do is to store your silver in an air tight container with an anti-tarnish strip. You can purchase these at most jewelry and jewelry supply stores, and while you are there, pick up a polishing cloth. A few quick wipes with this specially treated cloth will help give your jewelry that like new shine. If your silver has become very dirty try this safe and effective at home cleaning recipe. It’s safe to use with stones, and silver jewelry that has pearls as part of the design. You will need the following, and please note, measurements are approximate. · 1 Tablespoon baking soda · 1 Tablespoon salt · a healthy squirt of liquid dish soap · 2 cups of water · One disposable aluminum pan · Plastic or wooden spoon · Kettle or microwave to heat water · Colander or strainer · Soft lint free cloth Heat up the water to almost boiling, then add the rest of the ingredients and stir until ingredients are dissolved. Drop your jewelry into the solution and position it so the pieces are not touching each other, and let sit for 10 minutes or so. Strain your jewelry and rinse with clean water then pat dry. Let you jewelry air dry completely before returning it to your sealed storage container or bag.
All about pearls! Do’s and Don’tsDon't use abrasive cleaners or cloths on your pearls.
Don't put pearl jewelry into ultrasonic cleaners.
Don’t clean your pearls with jewelry cleaning solutions or harsh detergents.
Don’t swim or bath with you pearl jewelry
Do finish Appling makeup and hair products before you put on your pearl jewelry.
Do remove rings before applying hand or body lotion.
Do remove jewelry before using house hold cleaners.
Do keep your pearls stored separately (preferably in a soft cloth bag) from other jewelry items to prevent scratches and nicks.
Do clean dirty pearls with a mild soap (like ivory) and water then let air dry completely before returning to storage.
Do look fabulous while wearing your pearl jewelry!
|