Jewellery Care

Copper Electroformed Jewellery Care...

Some important things you need to know about copper before ordering….

To preserve the life of your piece it is very important to care for your copper jewellery properly.

Some stones are naturally fragile so be careful not to drop your piece. Please be mindful that you are purchasing a piece of art, some pieces are more fragile than others. Do not bend or handle roughly & always treat with care.

All of my copper pieces are created using a process called Electroforming. In this process it can take between 24 – 48 hours for the copper to form on the piece, in this time it can take on its own unique shape and texture so every piece is unique. Although some of my pieces are sturdy some are more fragile so please treat all pieces with care. Those made with organic materials such as sticks, wings & bugs will be more fragile. Be careful not to bend or pull on your piece with force as it could break.

Copper has personality & will not stay exactly the same all the time. As soon as it comes in contact with oxygen it starts to oxidise. This is why I have put several coats of sealer on it, which will slow down this process as long as the piece is being cared for as recommended.

If you simply dirty your piece the safest way to clean it is to use a mild detergent and warm water and dried with a soft cloth. DO NOT use solvents or abrasives or it will take off the coating! Only use polishing/cleaning methods stated below IF your piece is starting to discolour to a point where you are unhappy with it, because once any of the below methods are done it will take off the sealant.

You will notice over time your piece may start to change colour, this is completely normal. Here are some tips on how to take care of and clean your jewellery when this change starts to happen…

Cleaning Antiqued / Patina Jewellery

If your piece has patina (antiqued look) one of the easiest ways to remove tarnish is to pop it in a container of vinegar for a minute or two. Once your piece is clean rinse with warm water and pat dry with paper towel. Some stones can get damaged in vinegar such as opal, so please check this before using vinegar. If you are unsure about vinegar you can polish with a “Sunshine Polishing Cloth” which can be purchased easily online, just rub the copper with the cloth and you are done! Be very careful not to put too much pressure on your piece as it could cause your piece to snap. If your piece has rough textures vinegar is usually the best way as the cloth can get caught in textured parts.

The look of your piece may change after this, but this is the beauty of coppers personality, it is forever evolving. Refrain from buffing unless you really need to because when you buff it will take off the protective layer I have put on.

Dark / Black Patina Jewellery
Dark patina will wear off over time and will start showing brown/bronze tones.

I have sealed it with a few layers of sealant to help maintain the black colour for a longer period of time.

Please DO NOT try to polish if you want to keep the black look, any polishing will take off the black and bring out the brown tones.

All other care instructions apply

Cleaning Bright Bare Copper Jewellery
If your piece is bare copper there are several ways you can polish it up. One way is to utilise the little pad I gave you with your order; just rub against the copper until it is bright and shiny, then rinse under warm water and dry well! It is important to NOT WET THIS PAD! This pad is designed for oxidisation of copper. I also recommend purchasing a Sunshine Polishing cloth for tarnish removal. Refrain from buffing unless you really need to because when you buff it will take off the protective layer I have put on.

There is also a white vinegar method but you need to be careful as some stones get damaged in vinegar such as Opal. Put some vinegar in a small plastic or glass container (not metal) and add a spoon of salt, place your piece in the vinegar and rub the salt against the copper. Then rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly. (When using this method be careful not to put the chain in vinegar if you don’t wish to change the look of your chain)

You can also use a copper cleaning solution.

Storing your piece…

Its important to take care when storing your piece, don’t store with other pieces that could scratch its surface. Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising & bathing. Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays. ALWAYS keep your piece in an air tight zip lock bag & keep away from direct sunlight. You can also purchase anti tarnish tabs online and pop one of those in the bag too.

Some tips to slow down tarnishing….

Chemicals like hairspray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc., can speed up the tarnishing process so its best to avoid contact with those.
Store your piece in a cool dry place in a zip lock bag away from direct sunlight. You can add a anti tarnish strip to the bag to help slow down the tarnishing process.
Do not expose your jewellery to moisture and humidity.
Always clean your piece before storing to remove any natural oils from your skin or anything it may have been in contact with.

Will copper turn skin black?

Skin turning black depends on a few things such as sweat/body chemistry, skin products, environment (wet/dry) & sensitivity. The sealant I use claims to stop this from happening but in case it does here are some tips that may stop skin from changing colour…

Keep skin and jewellery clean & dry
Apply a thin coat of jewellery wax to the surface area that contacts the skin as needed
Some people like to apply a layer of clear nail polish instead of jewellery wax
Allow lotions to fully absorb before putting on jewellery
Wipe jewellery with a soft cloth before & after wearing

Caring For Tiffany Technique Soldered Jewellery...

Tiffany Technique is a soft soldering process. I only use lead free solder which contains tin & copper.

Storing your piece…
Its important to take care when storing your piece, don’t store with other pieces that could scratch its surface. Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising & bathing. Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays. ALWAYS keep your piece in an air tight zip lock bag & keep away from direct sunlight.

Some tips to slow down tarnishing….

-Chemicals like hairspray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc, can speed up the tarnishing process so its best to avoid contact with those.
-Store your piece in a cool dry place in a zip lock bag away from direct sunlight.
-Do not expose your jewellery to moisture and humidity.
-Always clean your piece before storing to remove any natural oils from your skin

Cleaning Tiffany Technique Jewellery

If you notice your piece is darkening or looking dirty there are a few ways you can polish it up. What ever way you choose its important to be gentle as to not break any joins under force:

Use a Pro Polish Pad
0000 Super fine steel wool (wear a mask!)
Sunshine Polishing Cloth

Caring For Macrame Jewellery...

All of my creations are handcrafted with love and attention to detail, making sure the piece is as durable as possible.

Keep your piece dry at all times
Avoid contact with lotions or creams
Some stones are naturally fragile so be careful not to drop your piece
Always remove jewellery before sleeping, showering, swimming or messy activities
Treat with love and care