Care and Cleaning

Care and Cleaning

Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but it also requires care and occasional maintenance. As a rule, your jewelry should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. And we strongly recommend removing your jewelry before bathing or swimming. 

Solid Gold 

Gold can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. For small areas such as under stone settings, we recommend a new, baby sized soft bristle toothbrush with soap and water. 

Matte Sterling Silver

Sterling silver will tarnish over time. Our favorite silver polish is white toothpaste. Apply with fingers, a soft cloth or an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly with water. Satin finishes will become increasingly shiny over time and with wear.

Polished Sterling Silver

Sterling silver will tarnish over time. Maura's favorite method to clean silver is with warm water and baking soda; Make a paste and lightly scrub with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse clean. Buff dry with a soft cloth, polishing cloth if desired.

Oxidized Sterling Silver  

Oxidized (blackened) silver will develop highlights over time. Do not use chemicals, commercial cleaners or commercial polishing cloths as they will remove the blackened finish. Fingerprints can be removed with warm, soapy water or a soft cloth. 

Gold-filled 

Gold-filled metal can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Lightly buff dry.

Brass

Brass tarnishes over time. Maura's favorite method to clean brass is with warm water and baking soda. Make a paste and lightly scrub with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse clean. Buff dry with a soft cloth or polishing cloth if polished finish is desired.

Gemstones

Most gemstones can be cleaned with natural, chemical free soaps or baking soda plus warm water and a soft bristled brush. We don't recommend commercial cleaners in the form of chemical baths or immersion soaks, as some stones, such as emeralds, are oiled in their finishing process and should be cleaned very gently, avoiding full submersion or extended soaks.