How to Care for Your Sterling Silver and Gold-Filled Handmade Jewelry

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Handmade jewelry is often a reflection of craftsmanship, personal expression, and unique style. Whether you’ve invested in our crafted sterling silver piece or gold-filled design, taking proper care of your jewelry will help preserve its beauty and ensure it lasts for years to come. Both sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry are durable materials, but they do require some attention to maintain their shine and prevent damage. In this blog, we’ll cover some helpful tips on how to care for your handmade sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry.

Store Your Jewelry Properly

When you’re not wearing your jewelry, proper storage is key to keeping it in top condition. Exposure to air, moisture, and other elements can cause tarnishing and dullness over time.

• Sterling Silver: Store sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from humidity. Consider using a soft cloth pouch or a jewelry box with anti-tarnish properties to help reduce tarnishing. Avoid leaving it in the open air or in places where it can be exposed to chemicals like perfumes or lotions.
• Gold-Filled Jewelry: Gold-filled jewelry is more resistant to tarnishing than sterling silver, but it’s still important to store it properly. Keep it in a cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to protect it from scratches and exposure to air and moisture.

Clean Regularly and Gently

Regular cleaning will help maintain the luster of your jewelry, but it’s important to clean it correctly to avoid damaging it.

• Sterling Silver: To clean sterling silver, use a soft polishing cloth specifically designed for silver to buff away tarnish and restore shine. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can strip away the metal’s natural finish. If the tarnish is more stubborn, you can use a silver cleaning solution, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly with water afterward.
• Gold-Filled Jewelry: Gold-filled jewelry doesn’t tarnish as easily as sterling silver, but it can still accumulate oils and dirt over time. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe it clean and gently polish it. Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the gold surface. For a deeper clean, you can use a mixture of mild soap and warm water, but make sure to dry the piece thoroughly afterward.

 

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and even some hair products can cause damage to your jewelry over time.

• Sterling Silver: Avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry when swimming in chlorinated pools or when using harsh cleaning products. Chemicals can cause sterling silver to tarnish more quickly or even damage the metal.
• Gold-Filled Jewelry: While gold-filled jewelry is more resistant to tarnishing, it’s still important to avoid exposing it to chemicals. Avoid applying lotions or sprays directly onto your jewelry, as these substances can dull the gold finish over time.

When to Take Off Your Jewelry

The number one question I get from my customers is, do I have to take off my jewelry.

Knowing when to remove your jewelry can help preserve its appearance and prevent unnecessary wear.

• In the Shower or Bath: Avoid wearing sterling silver or gold-filled jewelry in the shower or while bathing. Even though these materials are resistant to moisture, prolonged exposure to water, soap, and body wash can cause buildup or tarnishing over time. For sterling silver, the chemicals in shampoos or soaps can accelerate tarnishing. For gold-filled pieces, water and chemicals can weaken the protective layer of gold.
• During Sleep: It’s a good idea to take off your jewelry before bedtime. While you sleep, jewelry can become scratched, bent, or tangled especially if it’s exposed to pressure or friction. Additionally, skin oils and lotions can accumulate on your
•  jewelry overnight, causing it to lose its luster.
• When Exercising or Engaging in Physical Activities: Physical activities such as exercise, swimming, or sports are times when you should remove your jewelry. Sweat, friction, and potential exposure to rough surfaces can scratch or tarnish your jewelry. If you’re using a weight or performing heavy lifting, there’s a risk of accidentally bending or damaging delicate pieces.
• When Cleaning or Using Harsh Chemicals: Always remove your jewelry when doing household cleaning or handling strong chemicals. Cleaning products, even those designed for household use, can damage your jewelry. If you’re using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals, your jewelry should be removed to prevent damage to the metal or gemstones.

Polish and Restore Shine

Over time, both sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry can lose their initial shine. Regular polishing will help maintain their lustrous appearance.

• Sterling Silver: Use a soft, non-abrasive polishing cloth regularly to restore the shine. You can also find jewelry cleaners specifically designed for sterling silver, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Gold-Filled Jewelry: Gold-filled jewelry doesn’t require as frequent cleaning as sterling silver, but a gentle buffing with a microfiber cloth can help keep the piece gleaming. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they could scratch or dull the surface of the gold layer.

Be Mindful of Water

Water can have a significant impact on the appearance and longevity of jewelry, especially when exposed to it for long periods.

• Sterling Silver: Water can cause sterling silver to tarnish more quickly, especially when exposed to saltwater or chlorinated water. While it’s okay to occasionally get your sterling silver jewelry wet, it’s best to remove it before swimming or showering.
• Gold-Filled Jewelry: Gold-filled jewelry is generally more resistant to water than sterling silver, but prolonged exposure to water, especially saltwater, can damage the piece over time. It’s a good idea to remove it before swimming or showering.

Conclusion By following these simple care tips and knowing when to take off your jewelry, you can ensure that your handmade sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry remains as beautiful as the day you first wore it. With a little attention and regular maintenance, your jewelry will continue to reflect its unique craftsmanship, making it a timeless addition to your collection. Whether you’re wearing it every day or saving it for special occasions, your jewelry will always be a cherished part of your style and a lasting investment in both beauty and meaning.