Metal jewelry is durable, but it does need to be cleaned and polished from time to time. Use a polishing cloth to rub off tarnish and bring back most of its shine. For stronger cleaning needs, use a soft toothbrush with a bit of dish soap and water. Jeweller’s cloths can be purchased at jewellery stores and online, or simply use a piece of flannel. Always dry your metal if it gets wet. 

If your jewelry has a patina – a surface treatment to add artistic interest or colour, like when something is “antiqued” – you want to be careful to preserve it. Caution: Metal polishes will take off the patina and change the jewelry finish. Patinas on my work are used to make black, blue, grey, green and iridescent characteristics on the metal. 

If your jewelry is anodized it means that I have used an electrical process to change the surface colour of the metal. This process can only happen with reactive metals, like Niobium. Care is needed to maintain the colour. Avoid getting hair products or perfume on the metal. If it becomes dull, use a soft cloth with mild dish soap to clean, rinse and dry your piece. 

Metal Care

Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% other metals to give it strength, most often copper, brass or sometimes nickel. Nickel can give some people a skin reaction. Because Sterling Silver is an alloy, it does tarnish. To slow tarnishing, keep your jewelry in an airtight bag or container. 

Gold Fill is 14K gold double plated over high quality jewelers’ brass. It is hypoallergenic, does not tarnish and is easily cleaned with a soft cloth. 

Niobium is a non-toxic metal similar to titanium. Like silver plating, the colour on Niobium is on the surface. Avoid hairspray or skin oil which can dull the colour. Put jewelry on last. Use a soft cloth with a mild dish soap, rinse and dry to restore finish. 

Copper is a mineral with therapeutic properties. Depending on a person’s Ph level, skin around the copper jewelry may turn green. Use clear nail polish on the inside of a ring or bracelet to stop the green. Copper does tarnish, so wipe it with a soft cloth. 

Brass & Bronze are metal alloys and will also tarnish. Again, a soft cloth or a quick wash with mild dish soap and water will help to clean. 

Special Care 

Metal cleaners are caustic, meaning they eat away at the surface of the metal to remove tarnish. I don’t recommend it, but if you use one, do so sparingly and rinse off in water – over time it can pit precious metal and dull gemstones. 

Water care – precious metals are waterproof and you can wear them in fresh or salt water. Make sure to rinse in fresh water and dry jewelry after a swim in the ocean or before storing. 

Gemstone care – most gemstones are alright in water, but porous stones, like turquoise and opal, should not get wet. Synthetic stones are waterproof. If you notice dirt around your gemstone, use a toothbrush and water to carefully clean without scratching. 

Carbon tabs can be used to slow the tarnishing process significantly. Just put one or two in your jewelry box. These can be purchased online. 

If your jewelry breaks, please contact me to see if we can find a solution!