All pieces are created with natural metals and stones, which makes them a little more vulnerable to their external environment, because I don’t use chemicals to coat them for extended protection. This is good for the environment, and good for you (and me as the maker).

But of course, it will require you to be a little more careful. Below I’ve listed some ways to make light work of anything to do with taking care of your precious pieces.

To keep your jewelry beautiful for as long as possible, please avoid showering or excessive sweating while wearing them. I would also invite you to avoid all chemicals and acidic compounds that could corrode the metals and semi-precious stones and damage pearls or corals in your pieces. Avoid using perfumes, creams, or hand sanitizers, chlorine in pools – anything that you wouldn’t eat – should stay away from your jewelry.

Ideally, store them in a closed container

Ideally, store them in an enclosed pouch or box, as all metals react with air and water particles over time. You’ll receive your piece inside a plastic zip-lock pouch with an anti-tarnish strip inside for that reason (certainly not because it makes it attractive – sorry). If you can keep your pieces inside those – great.

Cleaning tips that actually work

But I know we have better things to do than to be super strict with storing our jewelry the right way, so when your favorites get a little less than perfect, here are a few quick & easy steps to refresh them:

• You’ll receive a shining/cleaning cloth that you can use to clean your piece with, from time to time. This is great for a quick clean. Use the cloth as is – DO NOT WET it please, as it will get ‘gummy’. It will clean pretty much all types of metal with moderate tarnish as it has a mild abrasive compound already in it. It will last a while, so keep it – it’s a good tool to have on your side.

• When cleaning your pieces – be careful – don’t be too harsh with the stones. These can move or break. Consider using an old toothbrush to get in all the little corners.

• Should you need to clean copper with more serious tarnish: use a salt : vinegar : water paste in roughly 1:3:3 parts ratios. Immerse the pieces (try to avoid dipping the stones for too long), and gently scrub with a toothbrush into the more intricate areas. This is a fantastic cleaner for copper – also a great party trick :o)

• To clean your gold-like brass pieces: use a salt : vinegar/lemon juice : water paste in roughly 1:3:3 parts ratios. Take an old toothbrush, immerse your piece gently for a minute. Rub with the brush or massage in with your fingers. Then wash the piece thoroughly. Pat dry with a paper towel, and leave to airdry (ideally in the sun). Then put away to store as usual.

Reshaping your jewelry if it bends

As you already know, everything I make is 100% hand-crafted. Some parts of your jewelry may at times get bent out of shape through normal wear. That’s nothing to worry about. Just try your best to bend it back into shape – GENTLY :o)

If you get stuck, please reach out and I will do what I can to help you out. But if you’re gentle – you shouldn’t have an issue.