GOLD-FILLED

How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry

Caring for gold filled jewelry is not too much different from caring for other types of fine jewelry. Here are our top tips:

• Clean your gold filled jewelry regularly using warm water to wash and a soft cloth to pat dry. Never rub it after washing as this can cause discoloring.
• Avoid wearing your gold filled jewelry in the ocean or swimming pools, as the salt water and chlorine can cause damage.
• Keep your gold filled jewelry as dry as possible and away from pesky humidity! Make sure you store it individually in an air-tight plastic bag as rubbing it against other jewelry can cause it to lose its sheen.
• Avoid wearing your gold filled jewelry when cleaning. Exposure to heavy detergents and cleaning agents can be detrimental.
• Be mindful that perfume, hairspray and hand lotions may tarnish your gold filled jewelry due to the harsh chemicals they contain.
• Gently wipe your gold filled piece with a jewelry polishing, non-scratch cloth every now and again to promote shine.
• Excessive touching of gold filled jewelry, whether by yourself or other people, can lead to surface friction and discoloring – so try to avoid the temptation!

STERLING SILVER

How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

These three cleaning methods are gentle on your silver jewelry.

• Soap and water: This is our most recommended method because of the gentleness of soap and water. This should really be your first line of defense before trying anything else.
• Baking soda and water: If you come across suggestions to use toothpaste, we highly recommend you ignore that tip and use baking soda and water instead. When toothpastes were simple non-whitening, non-gel based pastes, they could be used on your jewelry. However, they include many more ingredients now that may damage your silver. Instead make a paste from baking soda and water, apply a small amount onto a cloth or tooth brush and scrub gently.
• White vinegar and baking soda: This gentle cleaning method is great for removing heavy tarnish. Soak your sterling silver in ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tbsp of baking soda (combine these in the sink and prepare yourself for the fizzing and foam) for two to three hours. Rinse jewelry and pat dry.
• Finish with a polish: After you’ve given your jewelry a good cleaning, you can finish the process by using a polishing cloth that’s specifically for sterling silver.

GOLD BRONZE

How to Care for Gold Bronze Jewelry

Bronze jewelry is more durable and affordable than gold, and can last a lifetime when cared for properly.

Bronze is an alloy that contains copper, which can oxidize when combined with moisture, creating patina.

For a normal clean, nothing beats soap and water! Simply wash your bronze jewelry in warm water and soap, using a soft cloth to gently rub the dirt and grime off the piece. Make sure to rinse the soap off thoroughly before wiping and storing the bronze jewelry carefully.