Jewelry Care
Brass
1. Keep It Dry
Brass is susceptible to tarnishing when exposed to moisture, so avoid wearing it in the shower, pool, or during activities that might cause excessive sweating.
2. Store Properly
When you're not wearing your brass jewelry, store it in a dry, cool place. Consider keeping it in a jewelry box or a soft pouch to avoid scratches from other items.
You can also store it in an anti-tarnish cloth or a Ziploc bag with the air squeezed out to reduce exposure to air, which causes tarnishing.
3. Regular Cleaning
Clean brass jewelry regularly to prevent buildup and tarnishing:
Mild Soap and Water: Wash the jewelry gently with warm water and mild soap using a soft cloth or brush. Dry thoroughly afterward.
Brass Cleaner: For more stubborn tarnish, you can use a brass cleaner specifically designed for jewelry. Apply it using a soft cloth and buff it gently.
DIY Cleaning: A paste of lemon juice and baking soda can also help clean brass. Apply it with a soft cloth, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Keep your brass jewelry away from harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and cleaning products, as they can cause discoloration or damage to the metal.
5. Polishing
Use a brass polishing cloth or a microfiber cloth to buff the jewelry and restore its shine. Always polish gently to avoid scratching the surface.
6. Wear with Care
Avoid wearing brass jewelry during activities that might expose it to physical stress, such as heavy workouts, gardening, or cleaning, to prevent bending or scratching.
7. Protection from Cosmetics
Brass jewelry can be affected by makeup, lotions, and perfumes. Put on your jewelry after applying cosmetics to prevent exposure to these products.
Sterling Silver
1. Keep It Dry
Sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to moisture. Avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower, swimming pool, or when washing your hands. After contact with water, dry your jewelry immediately with a soft cloth.
2. Store Properly
When you’re not wearing your sterling silver jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a jewelry box with an anti-tarnish lining, or place your jewelry in a zippered plastic bag to reduce exposure to air.
Anti-tarnish pouches or cloths can also help protect your silver pieces from tarnishing over time.
3. Regular Cleaning
Clean your sterling silver jewelry regularly to prevent tarnish buildup.
Soap and Water: For light cleaning, use a mild soap solution with warm water. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Polishing Cloth: Use a specially made silver polishing cloth to buff the surface. These cloths are designed to clean and shine sterling silver without causing damage.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and harsh cleaning agents can damage sterling silver and cause it to tarnish more quickly. Remove your jewelry before using cleaning products, and avoid wearing silver in chlorinated pools or hot tubs.
5. Limit Exposure to Air and Sunlight
Sterling silver tarnishes faster when exposed to air and sunlight. When not in use, keep your jewelry in a drawer, box, or bag to minimize exposure to oxygen and light.
6. Avoid Scratches
While sterling silver is relatively durable, it can still scratch. Be careful when wearing jewelry during physical activities like exercising or cleaning, and avoid contact with rough surfaces.
7. Polishing
If your silver begins to tarnish, you can use a silver cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water to gently clean it. Rub the paste onto the jewelry with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
8. Wear It Often
While it might sound counterintuitive, wearing your sterling silver jewelry frequently actually helps prevent tarnish. The natural oils from your skin can help keep the silver clean and shiny.