We’ve partnered with our friends at The Scout Guide to share with you how to best care for all your favorite jewelry pieces!
Side note: If you have ever wondered the difference between gold, gold plated, gold filled, and vermeil, we have all the answers for you in this blog post HERE!
14k gold and sterling silver: Since they are made of pure metals, 14k gold and sterling silver pieces can be worn for long periods of time without removal. Pure gold never tarnishes, but it can need cleaning; sterling silver tarnishes from prolonged exposure to air. When cleaning is necessary, use a soft cloth and polish, such as Maas Metal Polish (which can be used on almost any metal). Store sterling jewelry in a cloth dust bag after wearing to reduce tarnishing. Our velvet dust bags, which come with each piece of ExVoto jewelry, have anti-tarnish properties built into the fabric. Click HERE to shop our 14k gold and sterling silver collection.
Pearls: Because pearls are porous, it’s important to keep them clean. Exposure to perspiration or chlorinated water can etch their top layer, causing them to lose their luster. After wearing, wipe your pearls gently with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth and allow them to air dry. Never put jewelry with pearls into jewelry cleaner. Shown above is our Art Deco necklace, click HERE to shop this necklace in Smoky Quartz. Click HERE to shop similar necklace.
Gold-plated: Chlorinated water, salt water, perspiration, soap, perfume, make-up, lotions, and hairspray are all potentially damaging to gold-plated jewelry, so always remove your gold-plated pieces before swimming, exercising, or applying the products mentioned. After wearing, wipe the jewelry lightly with a soft cotton cloth to remove makeup or skin oils. If needed, use a tiny drop of mild liquid soap, but never any type of cleaner. Store pieces in a cloth dust bag. Click HERE to shop ExVoto necklaces.
Click photo above to shop Collar Necklace.
Click HERE for our care instructions for gold plated jewelry.
Brass: When brass begins to tarnish, clean it with water and soap to remove ordinary dirt acquired from frequent use. If additional cleaning is necessary, use a brass cleaner such as Brasso or Bar Keepers Friend. For a homemade cleaner, dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup vinegar and add enough flour to make a paste. Rub onto the brass and leave for 10 minutes; rinse and buff dry.
Lemon juice also makes a fast and simple brass jewelry cleaner.
Leather and cloth: Keep these pieces away from water, and store them in a cloth dust bag.
Click HERE to shop ExVoto leather bracelets.
top photo source: thescoutguide.com