ask Lisa - how to clean your jewelry and keep it clean

How do I keep my jewelry clean and how do I clean my jewelry when it gets "icky"? Two questions I get asked almost daily!

So let's talk jewelry, shall we? It just makes me giddy! The sparkle, the glitter, the warmth, the feel….I love everything about it! But what good is your jewelry if you can’t find it….or worse yet, when you do find it….it is in terrible condition! As much a piece of jewelry can MAKE your outfit…a piece of dirty jewelry can BREAK it! 

To keep your jewelry in its most beautiful form, I have a few basic tips for you. 

Tips to keep it CLEAN and ACCESSIBLE!

1. Wear it! Sounds simple right? Jewelry is meant to be worn…it LIKES to be worn…it tarnishes LESS when it’s worn…true story!! If there are pieces of value in your jewelry box that you don’t wear…I suggest you find a jeweler you trust **ahem** and have them re-create something from that piece so that it gets OUT of your box…and onto your body!
2. Put your “everyday” pieces someplace very accessible. If you have a ring or two, or even a favorite necklace or bracelet you wear everyday, I recommend taking it off and storing in the SAME place each night. This will end the, “oh no I can’t find it" moment!
3. Jewelry is precious. It is special. It needs to be cared for. Use common sense and don’t scratch or bang your jewelry. ESPECIALLY handcrafted jewelry!
4. Keep your jewelry away from chemicals of ALL kinds, swimming pools, hot tubs, PERFUME, and even extreme temperatures. The chlorine and bromine in pools and hot tubs is particularly damaging to stones and metal, and will even damage solid gold.

BASIC CARE and CLEANING:

1. Clean it regularly with mild sudsy water, rinse well, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
2. Polish metals gently with a jewelry polishing cloth. Like the Sunshine Cloth I offer in my shop. I use them as a final cleaning step on every piece of jewelry I sell.
3. If your jewelry has tarnished or discolored there are Commercial silver/gold cleaners. Be sure that any stones in the jewelry can withstand the chemicals in the cleaner. Read the label, and if in doubt, do not use a chemical cleaner.
4. Ammonia and water. My favorite deep cleaning option. Mix a light solution of ammonia and water, then use a SOFT toothbrush or cloth to rub over your piece. Rinse thoroughly with water. Ammonia should not be used on the same types of gemstones that should not be used with commercial cleaners - again, make sure you check!

 STORAGE

• 1. Store your jewelry in a zippered plastic bag
• 2. Place it in a jewelry box. I'm spoiled...my man child MADE me this awesome jewelry box for Christmas this year. How cool is that? *forgive the bad cell phone pic!*

• 3. Each piece of Studio Jewel jewelry is shipped in a velvet pouch packed with an anti-tarnish strip, and then it is placed in our recycled cardboard boxes. We make it easy for you to store your jewelry in the best possible way. You're welcome!

Those are my little tidbits to help you enjoy each and every piece of jewelry you own. IF you have any questions about a piece of jewelry you own...let me know....I am happy to answer you!

xxooxooxxoox,

~ lisa