WEAR & CARE

Enjoy your jewelry— and for goodness’ sake wear it. Don’t leave it in your jewelry box to molder, abandoned and unloved. Take good care of it by polishing it with a soft cloth. If there are gemstones, gently clean underneath them with a soft bristled toothbrush and a little soap to avoid the gunk that can build up, obscuring their light and sparkle.

Unless it’s an everyday ring such as an engagement or wedding ring, take it off when bathing, and avoid chlorinated or treated water, perfume, lotions or chemicals that can damage the precious materials and discolor the metal. Pearls and soft or brittle gemstones are sensitive to harsh detergents and polishing, and gold-plating wears off easily if over-polished. If using a jewelry cleanser, always check to see if it’s reactive to plated metal, pearls or opals.

Matte and brushed finish jewelry becomes shiny over time. To restore a matte finish, brush jewelry with a medium bristle toothbrush liberally coated with a paste of baking soda and water, or pumice powder.

Many of my pieces have an organic look that is enhanced with oxidization. If your silver is oxidized, the blackened finish will evolve with age. Its patina may look more antique and broken in, like fine quality leather, or it may grow more subtle and bright. This is the unpredictable, vital nature of metal as it reacts to its environment, and I encourage you to welcome these spontaneous variations as they occur. If you would like me to re-oxidize a piece, I am happy to do so for the cost of shipping.

While transformations in metal finish are to be expected, breakage is not. Please contact me for repair of jewelry purchased through my website. The integrity of my craftsmanship is of supreme value to me, and I will do my utmost to restore a piece when damaged by my dereliction.