SabraStar Designs handcrafted jewelry - exceptional quality, exquisite art

GEM & JEWELRY CARE

Jewelry Care

Pure silver, like pure gold, is too soft for most uses and is often mixed with copper. Because of the copper content, this alloy will tarnish, but the copper is necessary in jewelry which requires metal with strength. Here are some simple suggestions to keep your jewelry looking like new.

*Remove your jewelry before bathing and sleeping.
*Remove jewelry during periods of strenuous activities, exercise, swimming (pools or ocean), work, washing dishes, household chores, etc.
*If possible, store jewelry in an airtight zip-lock bag when not wearing. This prevents tarnishing.
Avoid contact with all chemicals -- perfumes, hair sprays, dyes, etc.

Cleaning Jewelry:

Using a glass container, add boiling water, a piece of aluminum foil and 2-3 tablespoons of Baking Soda. This causes a chemical reaction. Place your jewelry in the container. Leave for 10 to 20 seconds. Remove with a wooden spoon and rinse in tepid water. Dry well with a soft towel. For a large amount of jewelry, use a hair dryer to quickly dry all items. As far as I know, you can clean all types of stones and metals this way. *Amber requires mineral oil for maintenance and cleaning.

In most cases, it is also safe to use a jewelry polishing cloth for the metal portions of your jewelry, but be sure to rinse all pieces in soapy water and rinse in clean water after using any cleaning agents. Dry well.

Pearl Care

     Unlike other precious stones, such as diamonds, pearls come from living creatures and are sensitive gems. It is important to care for them differently than other jewelry.

     Always keep pearls in the bag in which they come. Do not place them among other pieces of jewelry because they can be scratched. Also, do not put them in an airtight container because they need to breathe.

     It is important to clean your pearls regularly by washing them in a mild soap, rinsing them well and wiping them dry with a soft absorbent cloth. This is especially important if something like alcohol or vinegar gets spilled on your pearls.

     If your pearls are strung with sterling silver or 14-KT Gold-Fill, DO NOT clean them in regular jewelry cleaner, as this could damage your pearls. Only use soap and water. If the metal has tarnished, try using a jewelry polishing cloth, but be sure to avoid the pearls and always rinse your jewelry in soap and water after cleaning.

     Because pearls can be damaged by make-up, perfume and hairspray, it is important to put pearls on only after all cosmetics have been applied.

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