Care and Cleaning for Sterling Silver and Gold Jewelry

Care of Sterling Silver or Gold Jewelry:

It is best to put on your jewelry after applying make-up and hair products and take off before removing make-up, bathing, showering, and swimming. The chemicals and water used during these activities could cause immediate tarnishing. After wearing your earrings, gently rub your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any oils.

Then store your jewelry in a cool, dry place and in the tarnish-resistant bag included with your purchase. These bags will slow tarnishing and protect all of your DCG Designs earrings from other pieces in your jewelry box.

Cleaning of Sterling Silver or Gold Jewelry:

Periodically clean your jewelry with a non-lemon-scented phosphate-free detergent like Dawn dish detergent in warm to cool soapy water and very gently use a soft toothbrush to clean the setting under the stone. Use extreme care. Even a soft toothbrush can scratch a stone. Never use a toothbrush on jewelry with pearls. Any brush no matter how soft or gently used could easily damage the nacre, the lustrous outer surface of the pearl. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a soft cloth. Never use paper towels or tissues because they can leave scratches.

A non-abrasive, unscented, aloe-free hand sanitizer like Purell is said to remove tarnish as well, but I have not tested the effect of hand sanitizers on gemstones.

The Sunshine Polishing Cloth is another way to care for your gold and silver jewelry. The cleansing agents and non-scratching micro abrasives that it contains have not damaged the gemstones that I have tested including turquoise, coral, and opal. In my experience, the exception has been pearls. These cloths will darken the nacre. I have not tested amber with the Sunshine Polishing Cloth so polish metal with care that has set or beaded amber.

Do not wash cloth or it will lose its cleaning and polishing capabilities.

Never use dips. They can leave a residue that is difficult or impossible to rub off.