Care for Silver & Stone

Sterling Care:

Hey there! Let's talk about keeping your jewelry sparkling like new. I use materials like .925 fine silver, .999 silver, & occasionally 14k gold, in my creations. But hey, even the best metals need a little TLC now and then, depending on factors like where you wear them and how often.

If your package contains a Sunshine polishing cloth, you can use this little gem to work wonders and bring back that original shine. Just a heads up though, some pieces aren't meant to be super shiny – like those with a matte finish or *patina (see below). I'll always let you know in the listing.

Now, what to avoid? Showers and jewelry don't mix too well. It's not a disaster if they meet, just make sure to dry your piece thoroughly afterward. Ideally, steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, and hot springs while wearing your piece. Oh, and while you're spritzing yourself with lotions and perfumes, pop those on before your jewelry to keep it looking its best.

Storage matters too. Air exposure can lead to tarnishing, so unless you're sealing your pieces in airtight bags, a little extra cleaning might be needed. And keep your bling out of the bathroom – that humidity can speed up tarnishing. And remember, silver's soft, so store it carefully to avoid scratches, especially when you're on the go.

Know when to give your jewelry a break. Strong chemicals, sweat, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can all tarnish your pieces. So, take 'em off when you're tackling household chores, sweating it out at the gym, or soaking in the tub.

Cleaning? Easy peasy. Use that sunshine polishing cloth – just steer clear of any stones and intentionally oxidized (*patina) areas. Need a bit more oomph? Try some gentle dish soap and water afterwards.

*If your piece has “patina” on it- in other words, if the silver has been intentionally darkened, please do NOT clean it with a “sunshine” cloth, as it will remove that intentional patina. The only cleaning we recommend in this case is warm water, a little dish soap and a soft toothbrush.

Stone Care

You know, when it comes to gemstones, toughness matters. Turquoise? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. On the Mohs hardness scale, it clocks in at 5 to 6. Now, let's talk about what that means. The Mohs scale measures how easily one mineral can scratch another. But here's the thing – the gaps between the numbers aren't all the same. Take diamond, for example. It's just one step away from turquoise, but it's way harder, like, way, way harder.

Now, let's chat about toughness. Turquoise? It's generally fair to good in that department.

Stability? Well, here's the scoop. Turquoise can handle the light pretty well, but crank up the heat, and you might see some discoloration and surface damage. And watch out for chemicals, cosmetics, and even your own skin oils and sweat – they can all mess with turquoise's vibe, leaving it looking less than its best.

Cleaning time? Keep it simple with warm, soapy water. But whatever you do, don't steam clean or hit it with ultrasonic cleaners. Some turquoise gets a little extra love to spruce up its surface, and heat or solvents can mess with that treatment.

And hey, if you ever have questions about caring for your jewelry, just give me a shout. I'm here to help you keep shining bright!