Cleaning and Caring: Creative Dexterity's Jewelry Maintenance Tips

Gold:  all of my gold containing pieces receive a polish finish, to bring out the karats rich coloring.  Then lightly sealed with Renaissance Polishing Wax.  If you notice tarnishing on gold I recommend using a polishing cloth such as SunShine, a liquid cleaner such as Clean + Care or Connoisseurs,  or visiting your local jeweler.

Sterling: my preferred surface varies from matte, satin to a shiny polished finish. Purposed oxidation is common for detail surface textures and/or adding contrast. All finished pieces are lightly sealed with Renaissance Polishing Wax.

If you notice tarnishing on sterling my first recommend is using a polishing cloth such as Sunshine.  This is especially good for pieces that have oxidized recess areas/textures like this:

A liquid cleaner such as Clean + Care or Connoisseurs (both safe for stones and generally safe for pearls), is best for chains and non purposefully oxidized pieces (liquid cleaners can strip away all oxidation) like this:

Base Metal (Brass, Bronze, Copper): my preferred surface varies from matte to satin; usually stated in each listing. Purposed oxidation is common for detail surface textures (then brush burnished back) and/or adding contrast. All finished pieces are either lightly sealed with Renaissance Polishing Wax or lacquered with a spray or liquid sealant. 

My patinated pieces are always sealed to prevent a quick tarnish but with everyday wear the original finish may change, that's the nature of metal patination!  

Patinated pieces rarely need to be cleaned, with the exception of any precious metal that is included in the jewelry. Sterling chain or sterling earring wires can be cleaned with a polishing cloth.

To clean patinated pieces like the pendant on the necklace below, use a dry soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.  On very rare occasions water with a mild soap and a soft cloth can be used to gently (to not strip the sealant and patina coating) wash patinated pieces.  Rinse with water then gently pat dry with a dry soft cloth.  

Oxidation Happens...

To prevent a quick tarnishing I recommend your jewelry pieces not be exposed to: 

• Long exposures of air - keep jewelry stored away in an air tight bag when not in use and in a cool dry area (moisture can produce oxidation). 
• Long exposures to chemicals - chlorides in pools and other chemicals (especially acidic ones) may dry or be trapped in tight areas of jewelry (rings especially).  If you're a daily same jewelry wearer I recommend checking and cleaning your jewelry regularly; once or twice a month.
• Abrasive materials - high polish on everyday wear jewelry is hard to maintain, especially on softer metals like sterling. When cleaning and drying your jewelry always use a soft brush and/or a soft cloth (like microfiber). Never use materials that contain small abrasive materials or particles such as an coarse sponge or salt.  Even baking soda can scratch metal surfaces, use with caution.

Contact me if you bought a piece of mine, find yourself in Western MA and need a polish!  Even if the piece isn't a Creative Dexterity original feel free to reach out for a quick polishing (sterling and gold only pieces).