| You should be able to find several indispensable | | | | bags and individual cloth pouches are ideal for this |
| facts about Silver in the following paragraphs. If | | | | and will help prevent both tarnishing and scratching |
| there's at least one fact you didn't know before, | | | | by other pieces. What causes silver to tarnish is |
| imagine the difference it might make. | | | | air, and when it is not in use, the more you can |
| Truthfully, the only difference between you and | | | | keep it sealed the less it will tarnish. |
| Silver experts is time. If you'll invest a little more | | | | 4. Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, |
| time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to | | | | salt water, mineral springs, and suntan lotion. |
| expert status when it comes to Silver. | | | | Remember, some household cleaners contain |
| WHAT IS STERLING SILVER | | | | chlorine bleach; these will cause discoloration and |
| Silver is a precious metal and much like gold it is | | | | also loosen the gemstones. |
| too fine to be made in a 100% form. To make it | | | | 5. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and |
| durable for jewelry, pure silver (999 fineness) is | | | | commercial jewelry cleaners "dips" especially if the |
| often alloyed with small quantities of copper | | | | pieces have an oxidized finish. Using harsh polishing |
| (7.5%), thus comes sterling silver (92.5% or .925). | | | | cleaners will alter the antique look of your jewelry. |
| Copper is added to strengthen the silver and | | | | 6. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or |
| make it durable to be use as a decorative or in | | | | any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, |
| fashionable jewelry. | | | | such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and |
| IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS | | | | opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb |
| Most of our jewelry is 100% solid Sterling Silver | | | | chemicals, which build up inside the stone and |
| (.925). When wrapping your items, DO NOT place | | | | cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with |
| them directly in paper, cardboard, or cotton filled | | | | a moist cloth until clean. |
| boxes, as these contain trace elements of sulfur | | | | 7. If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, |
| which will tarnish your silver jewelry. For best | | | | do not immerse in water, as this can loosen some |
| results, place the items in a sealed, air tight plastic | | | | settings. Never use dips or abrasives cleaners on |
| bag or jeweler's sulfur free tissue (different from | | | | gemstones. |
| standard tissue) prior to boxing and wrapping. | | | | KEEP YOUR ANTIQUED JEWELRY LOOKING |
| HOW TO CARE FOR STERLING SILVER | | | | GREAT |
| As with every product its life span will depend on | | | | By allowing the metal to oxidize with a solution, |
| the care you give it. These are some helpful hints | | | | sterling silver becomes "Antiqued" and develops an |
| on how to look after your silver pieces. | | | | aged look. With wear, the antique process will |
| 1. To maintain the original condition of your silver | | | | fade, and the jewelry will look less "black' in color, |
| jewelry, polish your pieces regularly using a | | | | becoming a vintage silver shade. |
| non-abrasive cleaning cloth. | | | | To prolong the dark color of the metal, avoid |
| 2. Soap and water will also help keep your silver | | | | wearing the jewelry in the shower or bath. Water |
| looking good. Remember do not dry silver off | | | | will remove the finish over time. Do not clean the |
| with paper towels or tissues, always use a soft | | | | sterling silver or the antique finish will be removed. |
| cloth. | | | | Instead, keep your silver in a zip lock bag with the |
| 3. When you are NOT wearing your silver | | | | air squeezed out to keep it looking nice longer. |
| jewelry, store them in a cool, dry place. Zip-lock | | | | |