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 Most Sterling and Brass Jewelry 

I love using a fine (#00 or #000) steel wool found at most hardware stores to clean jewelry. This is one of the most effective and affordable ways to remove the tarnish from my jewelry while keeping the satin finish you'll see throughout my work.  Just gently rub in small circular motions with the steel wool until you have removed the tarnish or patina. Be careful not to get into recessed areas where the metal was darkened to enhance the design. Also be cautious around any gemstones as you can affect their finish.

If you need a piece to be darkened again, please reach out and for a small fee I can add the patina and finish it again.

 
For Shiny Sterling Silver Jewelry

If the tarnish is not too severe, a Sunshine Polishing Cloth is one of the best for gentle removal of tarnish and will leave a nice shine. Another option is Pro Polish Pads that effectively remove tarnish, but is made up of micro abrasives and will and some fine marks on very high polish metal. 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 with a soft cloth. Do not use any abrasive polishing pad or steel wool as this will eventually wear the gold clad layer off. 

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 the 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 chemical jewelry cleaner solution on your pieces. 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.