Copper Jewellery Care
To preserve the life of your piece it is very important to care for your copper electroformed jewellery properly.
Some stones are naturally fragile so be careful not to drop your piece. 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. Pieces 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 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.
Caring for copper jewelry
Does copper jewelry turn skin green?
Skin turning green or black depends on a few things such as sweat/body chemistry, skin products, environment (wet/dry) & sensitivity. Every person is different.
How to prevent copper from turning skin green?
- 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
These methods may help prevent copper from turning skin green.
How to polish copper jewellery?
Pop your copper jewelry in a container of vinegar & rub gently with salt. 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”, 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.
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How 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.
- Polish your piece and re-seal with a sealant such as Protectaclear.
How should I store my copper jewellery?
- Its important to take care when storing your piece, don’t store with other pieces that could scratch its surface.
- ALWAYS keep your piece in an air tight zip lock bag & keep away from direct sunlight.
- Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising & bathing.
- Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays.
- You can also purchase anti tarnish tabs online and pop one of those in the bag too.
What do I do if I dirtied my copper pendant?
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.
Sterling Silver Jewellery Care
Caring for sterling silver jewelry involves regular cleaning, proper storage, and some preventative measures to maintain its shine and prevent tarnish. Here are some tips:
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery
How do I clean sterling silver?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth thats included in your order to gently wipe the jewelry after each use. This removes oils and residues that can accelerate tarnishing. DO NOT use paper towels or tissue as these can scratch silver.
For a deeper clean: Mix mild dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Special silver polishing cloths are also great. One of my favourites is the Hagertys Silver Jewelry Cloth. It is an impregnated cloth that cleans, refurbishes and provides an anti tarnish barrier. You can purchase one HERE
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How do I store Sterling Silver Jewellery?
Keep It Dry: Store jewelry in a cool, dry place. Moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
Airtight Storage: Use airtight bags or containers, such as zip-lock bags, to minimize exposure to air and humidity. Add an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
Separate Pieces: Store individual pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling. Use soft pouches, cloth bags, or separate compartments in a jewelry box.
Preventative Measures
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep silver jewelry away from household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes. These substances can accelerate tarnishing.
- Remove Before Activities: Take off your jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine, saltwater, and sweat can damage silver.
- Wear It Often: Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewelry regularly can help prevent tarnish, as the oils in your skin can clean and polish the metal.
- Keep it dry!