I understand that your mixed metal Sterling Silver and Bronze Jewellery pieces are not just accessories; they are an investment in beauty and craftsmanship. To ensure that your treasures remain stunning for years to come here are seven essential tips to keep your cherished pieces gleaming:
Tip 1: Protect During Tasks
When tackling manual tasks, take a moment to remove your jewellery. This simple step will safeguard your pieces from potential damage due to rough contact or exposure to chemicals.
Tip 2: Organize with Care
Invest in a jewellery box or roll to keep your precious pieces organized and prevent scratches. A little organization goes a long way in preserving the beauty of your jewellery.
Tip 3: Combat Oxidation
Over time, both Sterling Silver and Bronze may naturally oxidize. To restore their lustre, gently clean your jewellery with a polishing cloth or wash it using warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh detergents), and a soft brush.
Tip 4: Timing is Everything
Apply lotions, makeup, and perfume before putting on your jewellery to minimize chemical interactions that can affect their appearance.
Tip 5: Mind the Humidity
Avoid storing your jewellery in humid spaces, such as bathrooms, as humidity is a leading cause of tarnish.
Tip 6: TLC Shower
Take care of your jewellery as you would a treasured friend. If ever in doubt, err on the side of caution. Feel free to reach out to me at HerbertandWilks Jewellery if you have any concerns. Your investment is important to me!
Tip 7: Wear Your Jewellery with Pride
The best care is wearing your jewellery. Your natural body oils will keep your pieces gleaming. Embrace your jewellery; the more you wear it, the happier it stays. Those little scratches from everyday wear add character and charm.
To be honest, I wear my personal pieces everywhere too – in bed, at work, in the workshop, by the sea, in showers, and in pools. Not only does it keep them clean, but it also eliminates storage issues. If I ever want a piece to shine brighter, a quick pass with a polishing cloth does the trick.
We're all about living life to the fullest. So, if you forget to take off your Sterling Silver or Bronze jewellery occasionally, don't fret. Just follow the easy cleaning steps below.
As life happens, your jewellery may darken or lose its lustre. Don't worry; it's a natural process called oxidation, and you can easily address it:
For Light Tarnish:
Lemon slices are your friends. Rub a lemon slice over your piece or sit your jewellery directly in lemon juice, rinse with water, and air dry or use a soft cloth. Lemons work wonders! This is my go to technique for cleaning bronze jewellery.
For Heavily Tarnished Pieces:
Baking soda comes to the rescue. Create a paste with baking soda, lemon, and water. Apply it to your piece with a clean toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush until it regains its original shine.
Rinse with water and dry. When using a brush on a necklace, be extra gentle with the chain. You can also use toothpaste for sterling silver instead of a baking soda paste.
For Extremely Tarnished Pieces:
This method is excellent for sterling silver without stones. You'll need aluminum foil, baking soda, a soft-bristled brush, extremely hot water, and a towel:
Line a bowl or baking dish with aluminum foil and place your tarnished jewellery inside.
Sprinkle baking soda over your pieces and pour hot water over them to completely submerge them.
Let the baking soda bubble for 1-5 minutes, depending on the tarnish.
When you see your jewellery brightening, rinse in cool water and air dry or use a soft cloth.
Quick and Easy Polishing Cloth:
For on-the-go cleaning, keep a treated polishing cloth in your bag. These cloths have safe jewellery cleaning agents and are portable. They won't scratch your pieces and work beautifully on both silver and bronze. Our favourite is the ultra soft Jewelry Polishing Cloth from Connoisseurs for Sterling Silver.
Special Care for Patinas and Stones:
If your jewellery features a dark patina as part of the design, use a treated polishing cloth instead of baking soda paste to preserve the blackened accents.
For semi- precious and precious stones, always handle them with care and use a treated polishing cloth for the safest cleaning method.
I hope these tips help you enjoy your Silver and Bronze Jewellery from HerbertandWilks Jewellery for many years to come. Your satisfaction and the longevity of your jewellery is my top priority.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Sally Herbert
HerbertandWilks Jewellery, New Zealand