After purchasing your new hand stamped jewelry in silver or gold, you will want to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you purchase it. Here are a few tips and tricks.
Silver oxidizes naturally when exposed to the air, therefore keep your silver hand stamped jewelry in an air-tight container when not in use. You can purchase mini oxidization retardation paper that you place in your jewelry box; it will help neutralize any oxidization that would occur. Be sure to keep a fresh piece of paper in your jewelry box, and change when you notice oxidization occurring. Gold-filled can be treated just like gold; it does not oxidize, or oxidizes very minimally.
When getting dressed, put on your hand stamped jewelry after you are done with hair and make-up. The chemicals and ingredients in most hair, make-up, perfumes and colognes can build up on your silver and gold jewelry and cause it to look dull and dirty. So be sure your jewelry is the last item you put on before you head out the door.
After taking off your hand stamped jewelry, be sure to wipe with a cotton cloth to remove body oils, residues and sweat. These can build up over time and cause the finish to become dull and lackluster.
Be careful not to scratch, ding or dent your hand stamped jewelry. Silver and gold are fairly soft materials and mar easily. Use caution when performing physically exhaustive activities such as heavy housework, working in the garage, participating in sports or any activity with sudden movements.
It is also best to keep your hand stamped jewelry out of water, sunlight and extreme weather elements. Both hard and soft tap water contain chemicals and minerals that can build up on jewelry over time. After exposing your jewelry to water, be sure to clean and polish with a pre-treated polishing cloth to remove any residue.
Every few weeks or so, clean all your hand stamped jewelry with a pre-treated polishing cloth, or a mild silver polish. This will keep tarnish at bay and retain the wonderful luster and shine as the day you bought it!