Sterling silver
Sterling silver tarnishes quite quickly when it comes into contact with oxygen or sulfur. Happily, the best measure to prevent this is by wearing your silver jewelry often. The oils in your skin help prevent tarnish.
Put all jewelry on after you have applied all cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, and hairspray. These products can contain chemicals that can damage your jewelry. Avoid exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, ammonia etc.
Clean sterling silver jewelry with a soft cotton cloth or flannel cloth and gently rub off any excess makeup. Paper, polyester and coarse fabrics often contain wood fibers or synthetics that can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your silver jewelry Dirt left over from previous cleanings that can scratch the surface as well.
Wash sterling silver jewelry in warm water containing a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Immerse the sterling silver in the water and gently hand wash. Use a cotton swab for tight corners. A soft baby toothbrush can be used for more abrasive cleaning when needed. Thoroughly rinse and completely dry the sterling silver before storing, as moisture is one of the factors that contribute to tarnishing!
Storing sterling silver jewelry - use an airtight plastic bag (like a Ziploc).
Gold (rose gold) vermeil and gold (rose gold) filled
Put all jewelry on after you have applied all cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, and hairspray. These products can contain chemicals that can damage your jewelry. Avoid exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, ammonia etc.
After each wear, gently remove makeup and oils from your skin by wiping with a soft cloth, like a flannel or lens cloth. If you know you've been sweaty that day or the piece might have product on it (especially sunscreen!), it would be great to give it a quick rinse in lukewarm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Also, taking your jewelry off to sleep will do a great deal to help it last longer.
The best way to store your gold vermeil or gold filled jewelry so it lasts is in something airtight, a little ziplock bag works best.
I hope these tips help!
Mariana E
