Jewelry Care

 

How to Clean + Care for Your Jewelry

 

Kim Zimmerman Jewelry is handmade using a variety of materials including silver, gold, gold filled, brass, gemstones, wood, and other organic materials.  Together these materials create the piece’s that you love.  Unfortunately, over time and when not worn jewelry can become dirty, dull and tarnish.  There are several ways to bring back a piece’s original luster, so I share some of the tricks I have learned over the years.

1.  Easiest Option

I love using the Sunshine Polishing Cloth.  These little cloths have a special micro-abrasive surface that cleans jewelry and removes tarnish from all metal types.  The cloth will start turning black with use, it is still working.  Once the entire cloth is blackened, you will need to replace it.  After using the cloth, wash your jewelry with warm soapy water, rinse and dry! 

2.  DIY Option - Something Everyone Should Have

Toothpaste works magic to clean and get rid of tarnish on your jewels.  Take a pea size amount of toothpaste on an old toothbrush or your fingers and give your piece a scrub.  Rinse well, pay attention to get toothpaste out of the hard-to-reach places.  So easy to do when your getting ready in the morning and your jewels will be shining all day! 

3.  Natural Option

 

What you will need:

▪ White vinegar

▪ 1 tsp lemon juice

▪ Baking soda

▪ Old toothbrush

▪ Soft cloth 

Step 1:

 

▪ In a small bowl, add approximately ¼ cup vinegar.

▪ In a second small bowl, make a baking soda paste:  Use approximately 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vinegar, then add just enough baking soda to make a thick paste. (be prepared for fizzing!)

 

Step 2:

 

▪ Drop jewelry in the plain vinegar bowl first and let sit for a few minutes.

▪ Remove jewelry and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the baking soda paste, in the second bowl, all over the piece for another couple minutes. (this will release dirt and oils on the piece)

▪ Rinse and dry jewelry with a soft cloth. 

 

Care

 

▪ Apply lotions and perfume before you put on your jewelry for the day.

▪ Never sleep in your jewelry, this causes bent earrings and stretched/broken chains.

▪ Try not to shower or swim in your jewelry as chlorine and some soaps are not good for your jewels.

▪ When you aren’t wearing your jewelry, keep it stored in a pouch or air-tight plastic bag.

▪ Finally, treat your jewelry with LOVE – a lot of care and attention was involved in making your jewelry and with proper care will last a lifetime.