JEWELRY CARE

CARRIE ARMSTRONG DESIGN Jewelry is handcrafted! Proper care and attention is something that will help keep jewelry pieces in good lasting condition. Air pollutants, dust, perspiration, perfumes and other natural elements can dull the appearance of gemstones or precious metals. The recommendations below will help you to preserve them in their original condition. 

Ensure that you remove your jewelry when washing your hands and putting on lotion, perfume or face cream. The particles present in these cosmetics, which are not eliminated by rapid rinsing, may become lodged in cavities and form a corrosive blend of materials that in the long term may lead to premature discoloration of the metal and skin irritation. 

Take your regular activities into account when choosing your jewelry. Avoid wearing them on the beach, at the swimming pool, working out, or to play sports so as to avoid knocks, scratches and damage to the stones. Wearing your jewelry should also be avoided when doing housework or gardening. 

Diamonds can break, crack, and chip. Diamonds grow and crystallize with cleavage lines. If struck at the right angle and the right amount of impact, diamonds can actually separate. Cleavage lines are the diamonds weak spots. diamonds are cut and shaped following these lines. 

Diamonds can chip at the edges. The edges are the weakest part of the Diamond. A good strike at the right angle can take a section of the girdle away. Sometimes a good hard strike can fracture your diamond and turn it into pieces of cloudy sections. 

Here are some good guidelines to follow for at home cleaning: 

Cleaning Gold Jewelry- To clean gold jewelry dilute dish detergent in a small bowl of warm water and soak each piece for a 3-5 mins. Gently clean your item by using a soft bristle toothbrush. To ensure you removed all the diluted dish soap, rinse your jewelry under warm running water, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure to dry your jewelry completely before wearing again. 

Cleaning Silver Jewelry- Sterling silver tarnishes in the presence of common everyday items that contain sulfur, such as leather, rubber, chlorine, and perspiration. Other elements to be mindful of are air pollutants and salt water. Use a clean, cotton cloth and mild dish detergent diluted in water. Apply the diluted dish detergent to the clean cotton cloth and rub the piece in one direction. Try to avoid circular motions. I do not recommend silver polish or dip style cleaning solutions. When not in use, store your jewelry in the pouch you received when purchased. 

To remove heavier tarnish, wash your silver jewelry with warm water and mild soap. Never use anything but a clean, nub-free cotton or flannel cloth.

I advise against using an ultrasonic cleaner, steamer or other "at home" jewelry cleaning chemicals (including bleach, ammonia, and baking soda) on gemstones. They should only be cleaned with diluted mild dish soap and warm water.

Additionally, jewelry should be professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Just like a fine automobile, periodic inspection and maintenance of jewelry helps prevent costly repairs or replacements. Personally inspect your jewelry as you wear it by looking for loose or chipped stones, worn metal, or malfunctioning clasps. 

Pearls
Pearls are an organic gem and they require specific care that will protect them for a very long time. They can be harmed by contact with many chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and hair care products of all kinds. 

Always store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch and protected from all abrasive objects. Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth moistened with water. Never place your pearls in an ultrasonic or use a jewelry cleaner not made for pearls. 

Turquoise

Turquoise is a soft and porous gem material. Keep turquoise away from high heat and chemicals such as oils, perfumes, and household cleaners as all of these things can lead to discoloration or dissolving. Clean turquoise with a soft brush and water, dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Contrary to popular opinion, using even mild soaps can damage the stone.Turquoise does not like to be submerged under water for long at all! Turquoise should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid using commercial cleaners. Store turquoise separately from harder gemstones.

Patina
Patina is a natural process that happens to objects with long exposer to open air and a discoloration appears due to oxidation. I use a chemical application of Liver of Sulphur to apply a patina finish to my jewelry. The silver is instantaneously oxidized and achieves a blackened color. Each piece is oxidized by hand and slight variations in finishes may occur and should be expected. 

Oxidized silver is affected by wear, moisture, and oils in the skin and will fade over time. Take extra care to keep these pieces dry and extend their finishes.