Jewelry that is taken care of and regularly cleaned will last much longer. We highly recommend you wipe down your jewelry with a cotton cloth after every wear. If they require extra oomph, add an ammonia-free cleaner when wiping it down. Think Windex Multi-purpose, a White Vinegar solution, or Simple Green. Spritz just a little solution onto a lint-free or cotton cloth and wipe down the jewelry from there. Simple vinegar works, as well.
Another thing that helps to preserve the high-quality finish is to make the jewelry the last item you put on, and the first thing you take off when you get home. No perfume, lotion, sunscreen, chemically treated waters, hot tubs, hot springs etc. Yes, even 14K Solid Gold can react when exposed to sulfides. In addition to storing the jewels in a dry place, this will all work to minimize exposure to moisture and keep your gems in great shape.
CLEANING TIPS
PVD, Titanium, Stainless Steel:
Lukewarm water and mild dishwashing soap works great! A soft bristled toothbrush works great for getting into the nooks and crannies.
Gold Filled:
Sunshine-brand jewelry polishing cloths (available on our website) have a polishing compound embedding in the cloth and help restore shine to sterling silver items. Gently rub to remove tarnish - no need to rinse. Alternatively, Dawn dish soap and water make a great mild cleaner! Wipe your gold filled jewelry down often to reduce dulling. Our gold fill base is brass which is prone to tarnish when moisture collects on the surface of the metal.
Sterling Silver:
Sunshine-brand jewelry polishing cloths (available on our website) have a polishing compound embedding in the cloth and help restore shine to sterling silver items. Gently rub to remove tarnish - no need to rinse. Alternatively, Dawn dish soap and water make a great mild cleaner! For cleaning heavy tarnish with baking soda, check out this article.
Solid Gold:
Sunshine-brand jewelry polishing cloths (available on our website) have a polishing compound embedding in the cloth and help restore shine. You may also use mild soapy dishwater and a soft bristled toothbrush to clean between links. Pat dry with a lint free cloth.
Plated (or Layered):
Avoid jewelry cloths unless they are marked un-treated. They may damage the protective finish.
Gently polish with soft cotton or microfiber - a sunglass cloth is perfect! Or, use a bit of dish soap & water on the cloth, then pat dry - no brushes, please. Do not soak plated pieces in water or cleaning solution.
TIPS FOR ALL JEWELRY
- Jewelry should always be stored in a dry place.
- We recommend storing jewelry in a case or jewelry box to prevent tarnishing and fading.
- Anti-tarnish bags are useful, as well (available at mass merchants online).
- We recommend removing all jewelry before sleeping.
- Sweat, chlorine & lotion may decrease longevity.