The sterling silver, copper, and brass in my work are not sealed with wax or lacquer. Because I choose to leave the metal uncoated, your jewelry will change in appearance over time. I encourage you to expect and embrace the patina that comes with love and age.

Exposure to sea water, hot tubs, swimming pools, perfume, fancy lotions, ammonia, bleach, and other chemicals and environments will tarnish your jewelry, sometimes very suddenly and drastically.

Egads, you say? Too late? Don’t fret.

To brighten tarnished sterling silver, copper, or brass jewelry I suggest the following:

Gently buff with a very fine steel wool #0000 or an equivalent fiber finishing pad (these can be found at your local hardware store). Or use a paste made with Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend and water. Simply hold the piece between your thumb and forefinger and rub the paste on the piece until you achieve the desired luster.

After removing the tarnish, I recommend washing your jewelry with blue Dawn dishwashing soap and water. I find that soaps containing citrus will often leave spots, so I avoid those.

Dry with a soft cloth.

Now if you desire a high shine, use a Sunshine polishing cloth or little white square pro polishing pad.

You may choose to rub a little bit of mineral oil on the piece to protect and help slow the natural oxidation process. Jojoba oil also works nicely.

Struggling? Contact me. I’ll be able to offer advice specific to your piece. Or we can make other arrangements.

Thank you for appreciating the time and care that goes into hand-forging, forming and finishing each of these tiny little works. I hope your jewelry brings you years of contentment and compliments.

Sincerely,
Gwendolyn