Jewelry Care
If you're here it means you have purchased Jovy Rockey Jewelry and want to treasure it for years to come. Tarnishing and oxidation of metals, especially brass and silver, is something that happens naturally over time and when they aren't getting worn. This can add to the character to your pieces and but can sometimes make them look dull or dirty.
Here are some tips on how to care for your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful.
For Mixed Metal Jewelry (Brass & Sterling)
1 - Easiest Option
I love using the Sunshine Polishing Cloth and/or Pro Polish Pads. Both are easily found from a variety of websites. This is a portable, easy to use option that I highly recommend. Both the jewelry cloth and the polish pad will turn black as you use it. Once the entire cloth is blackened, you will need to replace it. The polish pad does contain micro abrasives that can leave very subtle scratches. I do use these on many of my pieces during the finishing process, but you don't want to see any of those marks, I would stick with the Sunshine Polishing Cloth.
2 - All-Natural Jewelry Cleaning Option
What you will need:
- White vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Fine steel wool #0 or #000 (the more 0s, the finer)
Step 1:
In a small bowl, add approximately ¼ cup vinegar
In a second small bowl, make a baking soda paste: Use approximately 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vinegar, then add just enough baking soda to make a thick paste (be prepared for fizzing!)
Step 2:
Drop jewelry in the plain vinegar (first bowl) and let sit for a few minutes - be sure the piece is completely submerged
Remove jewelry and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the baking soda paste (second bowl) all over the piece for another couple of minutes - this will release any dirt and oils on the piece
Rinse and dry jewelry with a soft cloth
Step 3:
Bracing the piece on a clean, non-metal surface, gently rub in tiny circles using the fine steel wool - be delicate with ear posts, ear wires and chain. Also, be aware that the steel wool will leave tiny scratches on the surface. We use this method to finish our jewelry designs, but if you are cleaning a piece that has a high polish finish, skip this step and simply use a polishing cloth.
3 - Using Brasso - Brass cleaner & polish
In case of heavier tarnish and where the above steps do not help, Brasso is your next best bet!
**This is not a natural jewelry polish. Please use in a well ventilated area & wear gloves.
To use, squeeze a small amount of polish onto a paper towel or old rag. Rub polish over the brass sections of the piece in small circles. You will notice the color of the brass change immediately. With another clean paper towel or section of the rag, remove any lingering polish. Rinse the piece under water & dry thoroughly.
If your piece has sterling silver elements, no stress, the polish won't damage these parts, but they also won't shine them up. You can use a Sunshine Polishing Cloth on those parts.
For Sterling Silver Jewelry
Typically, the more that you wear sterling jewelry, the less it will tarnish. But I know we can't wear everything all the time so here are some ways to care for your sterling silver pieces.
If the tarnish is not too severe, using the Sunshine Polishing Cloth mentioned above is your best bet. If the polishing cloth or polish pads aren't enough to remove a heavy build-up of tarnish, you can make a simple solution at home to remove the excess oil & dirt that is preventing you from polishing the silver. Mix a paste of 2 tsp white vinegar & 1tsp baking soda. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste over the piece focusing on those hard to reach areas. Rinse and dry well. Follow with the Sunshine Polishing Cloth.
For Gold/Gold Filled Jewelry
Mix 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid to 1 cup warm water. Submerge the piece in the soapy solution and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the piece. This will help remove any dirt buildup in those hard to reach places. Rinse & dry well.
General Jewelry Care and Best Practices
- Never shower or swim in your jewelry. It can permanently discolor some metals. Especially saltwater or chlorine!
- Always apply lotions and perfume before you put on your jewelry for the day.
- Avoid storing jewelry in bathroom - the humidity expedites the tarnishing process.
- When you aren’t wearing the jewelry, keep it stored in a pouch or air-tight plastic bag to protect from scratches and moisture and to slow the tarnishing process.
- I don't recommend using any kind of jewelry cleaner solution on your pieces, with the exception of the Brasso method I mentioned above. Often times these cleaners can be very abrasive and remove the patina in places you don't want it to and can be harmful to any stones that are on the piece.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out! https://jovyrockeyjewelry.com/pages/contact