metal care
I don't recommend using any harsh dips or polishing cremes on metals.
Keep ALL jewelry metals (precious and non-precious) out of chlorine pools, hot tubs and salt water.
ARGENTIUM STERLING SILVER .935 & .940
that has not been darkened for aesthetic effect,has a white finish and is highly tarnish-resistant. You may never need to polish it.
STERLING SILVER .935 .940 & .925
may be darkened for design purposes.
The metal can be re-darkened if it starts to lighten over time.
Or you may decide that you like the change!
I'm happy to re-do a dark patina finish for you at no cost.
To touch-up a DARK PATINA yourself,
remove oils and dirt from the item. Take a piece of warm and freshly made, hard-boiled egg white and place the jewelry next to it ( not touching ) under an over-turned glass jar for 5-12 hrs. Place the jar in the sun for faster results.
When the piece is darkened,you can lightly buff it with a green Scotch-Brite kitchen pad or a red Scotch-Brite pad from a hardware store.
This will bring out highlights while preserving the richness of the darker recessed surfaces.
Soaking your silver in a sulfurous hot spring will also darken it!
( sealing your metal with non-toxic jewelry wax or a drop of vegetable oil after you do this darkening and buffing process is a good idea, but not necessary )
For touching up a SATIN finish that has gotten shiny,use your Scotch-Brite pad.
Brush along the surface of the piece in one direction.
For touching up a SHINY finish that has gotten dull or for bringing out highlights on a textured piece, use a polishing cloth.
I recommend Sunshine Cloth.
( wash the piece with mild soapy water after using a Sunshine Cloth or Scotch-Brite pad.
...wash your hands as well )
COPPER, BRASS & JEWELER'S BRONZE
will oxidize to rich, dark colors and tones naturally over time. You may prefer this look to a brighter one.
To BRIGHTEN these metals,try a little plain toothpaste (no whiteners) on your wet fingers. Rub the paste on the metal for 10 seconds, rinse, dry and buff with a soft cloth.
This will clean the metal beautifully and refresh highlights on two-tone designs without affecting any dark patina finishes in the recessed grooves of the piece.
You can use Sunshine Cloth and Scotch-Brite pads on these metals as well, for different effects.
A RED PATINA on copper is one of the most durable patinas there is. I like to use a tiny drop of olive oil once in a while to bring out the oranges and reds.
If you don't have any experience wearing copper and copper alloyed metals, please click on: COPPER NOTES
