Jewelry Care

Although I strive to create durable quality jewelry, all pieces are still handcrafted and should NOT be exposed to vigorous activity. Simply, the better care you give your jewelry, the longer it will last. 

To increase the longevity of your new jewelry piece, I always recommend removing jewelry while showering, exercising, swimming, or cleaning, and while you are applying lotions, creams, and perfume, to prevent material from getting trapped in small crevices. Also, remove jewelry while sleeping. 

At Animas Glow Studio, I use semi-precious and precious metals, including sterling silver and 14k gold-filled, high quality and meant to last; however, it is normal that when exposed to oxygen, these metals can take on a patina (change in color) over time. To prevent oxidation (discoloration due to exposure to oxygen), store your jewelry in a dry, cool place (not a bathroom), in a zip bag or jewelry pouch.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% of silver by weight and 7.5% of other metals of weight, (usually copper) which tarnishes over time. When wearing silver, avoid exposure to chemicals, sweat, and rough activities.

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes (or darkens) from exposure to air, hot springs, and different climates. Jewelry polishing cloths are a great way to clean your piece, however, some items are often oxidized purposefully to bring out texture and detail. Besides a polishing cloth, dipping your piece in jewelry cleaner can also remove oxidization. 

NOTE: Consider gemstones while cleaning your piece(s). Not all stones are able to be dipped in jewelry cleaners or cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners. 

14K Gold-Filled

Gold-filled will never tarnish or chip, but it will get dirty. To clean gold-filled jewelry, use mild dish soap and water to create a wash solution and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use a jewelry polish cloth to clean your 14k gold-filled jewelry as it can polish away the layer of gold!

Gold-Filled

To make sure your gold-filled jewelry endures, avoid chemicals, sweat, and wearing them under rough conditions as much as possible. To keep them clean, wipe them off with a soft jewelry cloth after use. If you believe your jewelry was exposed to any chemicals (body lotions, perfume, etc.), wash and rinse it off with warm water and mild soap. Dry with a soft cloth thoroughly. It is better to remove your jewelry while sleeping as the dainty chains might get caught in bedding or apparel which might cause damage. Gold filled might tarnish over time, but it has a much longer life compared to gold-plated items.

For more information on gold-filled pieces please click HERE.

Turquoise Disclaimer

Many of my pieces are created with natural turquoise. Turquoise that has not been stabilized (pressure treated with epoxy) is porous and will absorb any oils it comes into contact with. This can cause the color of your turquoise to both deepen and change over time. So if you want your piece to remain just as you purchased it, I recommend the following:

  • Removing your jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising or going to bed
  • Waiting to put your jewelry on until after you have applied lotion, makeup, or perfume
  • Storing your jewelry in the provided pouch to prevent scratching and tarnishing
  • Utilizing a polishing cloth (I love Sunshine cloths) to gently buff your silver and bring back its original shine
  • Never put your piece in an ultrasonic cleaner or fine jewelry cleaning solution

Storage Suggestions

  • Store your jewelry, especially sterling silver, in an air-tight container when not being worn. Oxygen, moisture, and other chemicals are what will tarnish or dull metals. If you’re not going to be wearing a piece for a while, don’t leave it sitting out. A small ziplock bag works great!
  • Keep items in individual compartments or velvet soft bags.
  • Hang necklaces individually to avoid tangling, and make sure all clasps are closed before storing.
  • Do NOT store your items next to windows, near heating vents, or in direct sunlight.
  • Invest in a good durable jewelry box (or two) with a soft inside lining!

Chemicals

Avoid prolonged exposure in chlorine, pools, hot tubs, and spas.

To clean, gently shine with a Sunshine Polishing Cloth (for 14k Gold-Filled + Sterling Silver) or a 3M Pro Polish Pad (for Sterling Silver).

We only work with the highest quality precious metals: 925 Sterling Silver + 14k Gold-Filled. So you can wear your pieces every day, forever.