Properly Caring for Jewelry

Properly cared for jewelry will last for generations to come. Please keep delicate items in their own box, away from heavy pieces that could damage them. Use the correct cleaning products to care for each piece. Please refer to care instructions included with each piece.

14Kt Rolled Gold Wire (Gold-Filled Wire):

• There is 100 times more gold in 14 kt. Rolled Gold (gold filled) than in gold plate.
• A 14/20 Rolled Gold pendant is usually considered a lifetime piece of jewelry.
• 14/20 Rolled Gold is usually used for pendants, pins, collars, bracelets, and small rings.
• Gold filled wire is available in 10k, 12k, and 14k, being the best quality and most durable. In the symbol 14/20, the 14 stands for the karat of gold used, and the 20 means 1/20.

Care for gold filled jewelry is easy. Just care for it as you would any other jewelry. It is quite durable. A simple inexpensive way to clean rolled gold jewelry (gold fill) is to soak it for a minute or two in a mild solution of ammonia* and water or a commercial liquid jewelry cleaner. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water afterwards and let dry. *Please note that not all gemstones may be soaked in ammonia. Please refer to care of gemstones, below. NEVER clean sterling silver with ammonia.

Sterling Silver Wire:

Silver is a fine, naturally-occurring precious metal with an almost white sheen that is used for many purposes, including jewelry. Sterling Silver is usually alloyed with other metals, such as Copper, for use in jewelry and hollowware. Silver tarnishes after exposure to air, which forms a thin layer of silver-oxide on the surface.

Sterling Silver is easy to care for. Simply use a sterling polishing cloth on it for a lustrous shine. It will, over time, develop a dark oxidation due to the copper content. As this settles into areas that you cannot reach with a polishing cloth your piece will gain definition and dimension.  Sterling Silver is this artist’s favorite medium to work with. Its beauty is incredible. The more you wear it, the better it looks.

Be aware not to put sterling silver into chemicals that are not meant for it. Please also do not wear sterling silver when swimming in salt water as it causes corrosion over time.

Argentium Wire:

Argentium is a fairly new blend of Sterling Silver, invented in 1996. True Sterling Silver must contain 92.5% pure silver by US standards. Just as Sterling Silver is alloyed with 7.5% copper, Argentium is also alloyed with 7.5% other metals, but in this case the copper portion has been blended with a little bit of an additional metal called Germanium with it. The Germanium addition is what makes Argentium so tarnish resistant. Usually the Copper in Sterling reacts to the exposure of oxygen and over a period of time will develop tarnish on the outer layer. It has been found that Germanium reacts differently to oxygen and actually builds up an almost transparent protective layer of Germanium Oxide on the outer layer of the metal and seems to protect the metal from tarnishing. Or at least it tarnishes at a much slower rate because of this.

If you would like a piece made in Argentium wire, please contact us and ask for it! For an additional fee, it can certainly be done!

Copper Wire:

This wonderfully versatile metal was the first metal used by man for tools, implements, weapons and artwork. Copper wire use predates recorded history, and though it was later replaced by bronze and iron for weapons and tools, its popularity and usefulness has not waned in thousands of years.  Copper is said to have healing properties for rheumatic or arthritic conditions.

Anyone wanting to purchase jewelry made from copper should realize that it will tarnish without maintenance and it will also leave your skin with a greenish mark if worn for long periods of time. Neither case is cause for concern; many people enjoy the look for the rich brown patina that copper will develop over time. This artist happens to be one of them! If you do not want your piece to have this darker look, you may use a copper cleaner* available at most drug stores to clean it with. Some people claim that “natural” cleaners work well for copper such as catsup and Worcestershire sauce but I have not tried them myself, so I could not vouch for this personally. *Please be aware that gemstones should never be exposed to copper cleaning chemicals, and please read instructions thoroughly before using any cleaning product.

Brass Wire:

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes including small amounts of other metals, but usually 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc. Because of the copper present in this alloy, brass will deepen in color over time. Because of rising precious metal costs, many people enjoy the look of vintage brass pieces and like for their jewelry to obtain this look.

Plated Items:

When I make name or word pendants, I usually include a free silver or gold plated chain. The cost of the chain is not figured into the price of the pendant itself. I add this au gratis as a means of providing you with a way to wear your pendant immediately. Plated chains are not meant to last forever. While they are structurally sound, the Sterling silver or gold plating will wear off at some point. Feel free to switch these chains out for a more permanent one when you see fit. The pendant itself will last many years if properly cared for.

Silver or Gold Enameled Copper Jeweler’s Wire:

This wire has a copper core and a silver or gold metallic finish that will not tarnish. It is a beautiful alternative to the more expensive precious metals that are constantly climbing in value and price. Items made from this wire can last years if cared for. As with any jewelry, never store pieces together with other items that will rub against them and scratch the finish. Each piece deserves it’s own place in a clean soft container that will protect it. A cotton filled box, or a soft cloth in the bottom of a box would be suitable alternatives to a jewelry box if need be.

Gemstones:

Some gemstones may be cleaned with jewelry cleaners bought in stores, but please read instructions before subjecting any stones to chemicals. Also please remember what metals you are cleaning and use the proper cleaners with respect to them as well.

Pearls, coral, turquoise, amber, malachite, lapis, aquamarine, opals, and emeralds are a few stones that should not be exposed to soap, water, or the elements including strong light. It would stand to reason then that these stones should be cared for gently with a soft clean cloth. Remember to store all jewelry properly so that pieces do not scratch each other and are protected from dust and debris. Many harder gemstones (such as diamonds) can benefit from cleaning with nothing more than a mild detergent and a soft brush. Please remember that different stones require different care.

Emeralds need a very, very light rub with light mineral oil once a year, while opals need to be wetted with pure distilled water once every six months to preserve their fire, which comes from trapped water in the crystal matrix. Pearls should be wiped with a microfiber cloth to clean, and should never be exposed to any chemicals like cleaners, hairspray, perfumes, or lotions, as they will absorb them through their porous surface and begin to discolor, peel, or blister. There is no way to save a peeling or blistered pearl, and there is no way to remove discoloration from one either. Pearls are made mainly from calcium carbonate, and do not react well to anything acidic. Emeralds are a soft stone, and should not be worn on a daily basis, as they will scratch and chip easily. Opals are very fragile and can scratch, chip, or shatter if struck on the surface. They should also be a “special occasion” stone.

**credit** some of the above information was generously supplied by Preston Reuther: www.wirejewelrybootcamp.com Thanks Preston!