Jewelry Care & Maintenance Guide

Your jewelry is an expression of your style. Whether it is a timeless sterling silver piece or a trendy fashion accessory, proper care will ensure it shines for years to come.

1. The Golden Rule: "Last On, First Off"

To minimize exposure to chemicals, make your jewelry the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night.

Avoid: Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and makeup. These can cause silver to tarnish and plating on fashion jewelry to erode.

2. Caring for Sterling Silver (.925)

Sterling silver is a precious metal that naturally undergoes a chemical reaction called tarnish when exposed to air and moisture.

Wear it Often: Believe it or not, the natural oils in your skin actually help prevent silver from tarnishing!
Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth or a specialized silver polishing cloth. Rub in long, back-and-forth motions (rather than circles) to avoid highlighting existing scratches.
Deep Clean: If your silver is heavily tarnished, use a mild dish soap and warm water. Dry it completely before storing.
Avoid: Never use toothpaste or baking soda on high-polish silver, as these are abrasive and can leave tiny scratches.

3. Caring for Fashion & Plated Jewelry

Fashion jewelry is often made of brass, copper, or alloys plated in gold or silver. Because the outer layer is thin, it requires extra "TLC."

Keep it Dry: Water is the enemy of fashion jewelry. Remove your pieces before showering, swimming, or exercising. Sweat (salt) can quickly break down the plating.
No Chemicals: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemical dips, as they will strip the plating right off.
Gentle Wipe: After wearing, gently wipe the piece with a dry, soft cloth to remove skin oils or dust.

4. Smart Storage

How you store your jewelry is just as important as how you clean it.

Strategy	Why it works
Airtight Bags	Storing silver in small Ziploc bags prevents oxidation (tarnish).
Separate Compartments	Prevents tangling and keeps harder stones from scratching softer metals.
Cool & Dry	High humidity speeds up the tarnishing process. Avoid storing jewelry in the bathroom.
Anti-Tarnish Strips	Tossing an anti-tarnish tab into your jewelry box absorbs the gases that cause darkening.

Summary Checklist

[ ] No Swimming: Chlorine and salt water damage almost all metals.
[ ] Store Dry: Never put jewelry away while it is damp.
[ ] Soft Touch: Only use soft cloths; paper towels or tissues can scratch delicate surfaces.

Pro Tip: If you notice your fashion jewelry turning your skin green, it’s often a reaction between your skin's acidity and the base metal (like copper). Keeping the piece dry and applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to the inside of rings can help!