We all have that one piece of jewelry we’ll remember forever.
From the time you saw it in the store to the first time you slipped it on and made it yours, this piece of jewelry holds a special place in your heart.
But over time, all fine jewelry begins to lose its shine. Silver and other metals will eventually tarnish. Deposits of debris and daily grime will cause gemstones to look dull and dirty. Following a daily jewelry cleaning regimen and jewelry care best practices can preserve the life of your jewelry and keep it looking great for many years.
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Here are some jewelry care tips to help you maintain the stunning appeal of your fine jewelry:
• 925 SILVER
925 silver tarnishes quite quickly when it comes into contact with oxygen or sulfur. Happily, the best measure to prevent this is wearing your 925 silver jewelry often. The oils in your skin help prevent tarnish. (This varies depending on your own body chemistry.) When storing your silver jewelry, use an airtight ziploc bag and if you can, put in a piece of chalk or a silica gel (the little packets in new shoes) - these will help prevent tarnish while you are not wearing your silver. If your 925 silver is tarnished the best way to clean it is with a jewelry polishing cloth. Just remember that silver is very soft so use something like a very soft baby toothbrush to avoid scratching.
• STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel jewelry won't rust but it can tarnish over time. Steel jewelry does not tarnish as fast as silver jewelry but the rate of tarnishing depends on how its used. As with any jewelry it is best to avoid contact with chemicals (lotions, chlorine from pools etc.) in order to keep it cleaner longer. Steel jewelry is easy to clean, you can use mild dishwashing liquid (two or three drops in warm water will do) and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Steel jewelry is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, as opposed to silver which is a very soft metal.
• BRASS & BRONZE
To ensure the piece, brass jewelry should not be worn while swimming, bathing, exercising or when applying perfumes, lotions or hair products. To clean your brass jewelry, use a soft cloth and gently wipe (do not buff) the surface. Please do not use water, harsh chemicals, jewelry cleaners or jewelry cloths as they will affect the finish of the piece. When not wearing your piece, it is best to store in the box/ pouch.
Laura Jewel is not responsible for the maintenance or improper care of your jewelry.
• GOLD, ROSE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATING
Gold, rose gold and rhodium plated jewelry will eventually tarnish or discolor if left out in the open air. To prevent this from happening, keep plated jewelry away from hard surfaces. Bumps and scratches will cause the plated layer to wear away faster. Store your pieces in a cool, dry place, such as a jewelry box or case with the lid closed, it is an easy way for you to store, organised and find your jewelry, as well as prevent tarnishing or wrap it in a soft material that will prevent scratches. Lightly wipe your plated jewelry with a damp cotton cloth. This will help to eliminate any dirt or dust from accumulating on the surface and wearing away the plated layer.
Jewelry Material
Our jewelry pieces have been lovingly crafted and many of the components are put together by hand. As a result, there can sometimes be slight differences in the colour, size and pattern of the materials or embellishments – all part of the charm of handmade products!
Most of the jewelry on this website is costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is made of materials that are less valuable than fine jewelry, and usually feature glass, beads, and synthetic stones rather than precious gems. Our metal pieces are usually brass, stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, PVD coating, 14K/ 18K gold, rose gold or rhodium plated.