How to Keep Your Jewelry Beautiful for a Lifetime

When I create a piece of jewelry for you, my goal is to craft something that lasts a lifetime. But to ensure your silver and other metals stay beautiful, it's essential to take some precautions to prevent tarnishing.

What Is Tarnish?

Tarnish is a natural process that affects nearly all metals. Exposure to moisture, skin oils, accidental acids, and sulfur in the air creates a reaction, forming a thin tarnish layer on the surface of your jewelry. How quickly tarnish develops depends on factors like your skin type (oily or dry), how you care for the jewelry, and the environment (humid or dry).

Tips to Prevent Tarnish

1. Store Jewelry Properly:
Moisture accelerates tarnishing, especially in humid areas. Store your jewelry in a sealed box or bag. The box I provide with your purchase is ideal! If you don't have a box, a Ziploc bag works well—just avoid putting multiple pieces together to prevent scratches. Also, keep your jewelry out of direct sunlight, as it can fade stones.

Bonus Tip: Those silica gel packets you find in new purses or shoes? They’re great for absorbing moisture! Toss one or two into your jewelry box to help control humidity.

2. Be Mindful of Everyday Wear:
We all love wearing our favorite rings and necklaces daily, but everyday activities like washing dishes, showering, applying lotion, or working out can speed up tarnishing and damage stones. If you forget to take off your jewelry, dry it thoroughly and clean off any oils or chemicals as soon as possible.

Example: Exposure to water can alter stone color. Be careful especially in pools and hot tubs, where the chlorine can severely impact your metal and stones.

3. Regular Care and Cleaning:

• Polishing: Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and oils. I provide one with every purchase! 
• For Silver Without Stones: You can use store-bought jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners.
• For Silver With Stones: Avoid chemical or ultrasonic cleaners—they can ruin stones or make them fragile. Instead, use a soft toothbrush with Dawn dish soap, then dry it completely with a soft towel.

4. Give Your Jewelry a Break:
Even though we love wearing our favorite pieces, occasionally giving them a rest allows the metal to "breathe" and stay in better condition. Regular polishing during these breaks helps keep your jewelry pristine.

By following these tips, you'll keep your cherished pieces looking as stunning as the day you got them.

If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help you enjoy your jewelry for a lifetime!