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Jewelry Care Info
CARE OF FINE SILVER
Designated as .999% pure, fine silver is softer than sterling silver that is alloyed to copper or nickel (what most allergies are caused by). As such, it should be handled a little more carefully than your sterling pieces, as it is more susceptible to denting and scratches. However, as pure silver, it doesn't have the materials that cause sterling to tarnish - the copper. Exposure to air will cause a slow oxidation on the surface of the metal. Simply wipe the silver with a silver polishing cloth. We recommend the Sunshine Polishing cloth (available from us - click on EXTRAS to order).
Always store your silver in a small Ziploc bag to retard oxidation. The addition of a 3M Tarni-Shield Strip to the bag (included in the zip-bag with your purchase or available in larger quantities on the EXTRAS page) will further retard tarnishing.
PLEASE NOTE: Because many of our designs have been purposely oxidized to enhance the details, do not use a liquid silver cleaner as that will r emove the blackening in the recesses of the piece. Liquid cleaners may be used on sterling chains, neck wires, and removable parts.
BRUSHED FINISH silver or non-shinny silver surface on some pieces of jewelry need a special type of polishing. Use a small toothbrush size brass brush and liquid soap to clean and maintain the finish. Wet the piece, add a drop of soap and randomly brush the surface. Be careful NOT to brush on any adjacent smooth surfaces. I suggest covering that area with a piece of tape. It should stay on long enough for you to clean your piece. When you're finished, rinse and pat dry.
GLASS CARE
Most of the time glass just needs a wipe with a soft cloth. Because we use a wax polish on the solder joints of our stained glass items, do not use a commercial glass cleaner on your piece. glass as well as metal parts should be cleaned with a quality polishing cloth, we recommend the Sunshine Polishing Cloth - available from us on the EXTRAS page. This cloth with remove any oxidation and restore the shine. Because many of our stained glass products incorporate wires in the design please use care when cleaning.
ABOUT ULTRASONIC CLEANERS
Ultrasonic cleaners, those fancy little tubs used by the jewelry stores, have become more affordable so that now the average consumer can own one. they are effective and easy to use, but there are some precautions.
Ultrasonic cleaning works by passing high-frequency sound waves through a cleaning solution. This creates cavitation, or the implosion of microscopic bubbles. A vacuum effect is created, pulling contaminants off the surfaces being cleaned. The result is sparkling jewelry. The solution reaches every crevice and recess, leaving no contaminant behind. This process removes buffing compounds, skin oils, cosmetics, grease, limited tarnish, limited oxidation and more.
Ultrasonics are safe for cleaning diamonds, platinum, gold, rubies, sapphires and silver. they are usually safe for use on amethyst, citrine onyx and quartz. Other gemstones, including emerald amber opal pearls and topaz and turquoise are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. so although this is a quick and effective way to clean chains and metals, use care to determine the identity of any stones in the item and if in doubt...don't clean this way! --Rio Grande News & Product Review
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