Jewelry Care + Cleaning
Jewelry Care & Cleaning
Fine jewelry benefits from occasional cleaning and proper care. With regular maintenance, your jewelry will retain its beauty and be enjoyed for years to come.
Most of our pieces are crafted from sterling silver and solid 14k gold. These precious metals naturally develop a patina over time through exposure to air, moisture, skin oils, and everyday wear. This process, known as tarnishing, is completely normal and can be easily polished away to restore your jewelry's shine.
Natural gemstones and diamonds also benefit from gentle, individual care. We recommend cleaning them carefully and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage them.
Sterling Silver Tarnish
Tarnishing is a natural characteristic of sterling silver and is not a defect. Depending on what the jewelry has been exposed to, the tarnish may appear light, yellow, or even very dark. While heavily tarnished silver may look dramatic, it can almost always be restored with proper cleaning and polishing.
Follow the care instructions below to bring your sterling silver jewelry back to its original brilliance.
Example of polishing sterling silver tarnish:
Cleaning/polishing sterling silver & 14k gold:
1. Soak in warm water with dawn dish soap to remove any residue. Rinse.
2. Use a liquid tarnish remover and soft brush to get in between any grooves. (Follow product directions and do not soak for long.) Rinse.
3. Finish with a silver polishing cloth or jewelry polishing wipes and lots of elbow grease for a high shine.
We like to use Connoisseur's brand cleaners and sell the polishing cloths, wipes online and liquids in store.
*Most gemstones should not be dipped in silver cleaners.
Understanding Tarnish & How to Prevent It
Tarnish is a natural process that occurs when sterling silver reacts with elements in its environment. Over time, silver may develop a yellow, gray, or black discoloration as it is exposed to air, humidity, moisture, and everyday wear. The rate at which silver tarnishes varies depending on climate, air quality, and even individual body chemistry.
Certain substances can accelerate tarnishing, including household cleaners, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, sunscreen, and sulfur-containing products. Even the natural oils and perspiration from your skin can contribute to oxidation, particularly during warmer months or with jewelry worn close to the body.
The good news is that sterling silver is a solid precious metal, not a plated finish. Unlike silver-plated jewelry, tarnish on sterling silver is superficial and can be removed with proper cleaning and polishing, allowing your jewelry to be restored to its original shine.
How to Minimize Tarnish
* Remove your jewelry before exercising, or using pools and hot tubs.
* Avoid contact with chlorine, bleach, household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, hairspray, sunscreen, and other personal care products.
* Put your jewelry on after applying cosmetics or fragrances.
* Wipe your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth after wearing to remove oils and moisture.
* Store your jewelry in an airtight bag in a cool, dry place when not in use.
An extra note about pools:
We strongly recommend removing all jewelry before swimming in pools or hot tubs. The chemicals can permanently damage precious metals over time, causing discoloration, weakening metal, and accelerating deterioration. Sterling silver is especially susceptible to chlorine exposure and may develop deep tarnish or dark staining that can be difficult to remove at home. In some cases, professional cleaning by a jeweler may be required to restore the piece.
A little preventative care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your jewelry.