Metals and care
It is important to understand the difference between metals before choosing a material for your next piece of jewelry. The ephemeral and changing nature of metals will transform our jewelry over time. Here are some tips to help you care for them and make them shine again if you wish.
BRASS
Brass is an alloy of 15% zinc and 85% copper, and its color is matte yellow. Over time, this metal naturally darkens, developing beautiful muted tones. This oxidation is superficial and easy to remove if you do not like it, restoring the jewelry's original shine. All the brass jewelry we make has a protective metal varnish coating that extends the life of its shine.
Brass care:
· Store it in its box.
· Do not wear it while exercising.
· Do not wet or spray perfume on it.
· Keep it away from damp areas.
Brass cleaning:
· Baking soda: Apply baking soda to a previously moistened toothbrush and gently scrub.
· Soak your silver jewelry in white vinegar. Leave it for 2 hours (do not do this if it is painted).
· Lemon juice: Dip a toothbrush in freshly squeezed lemon juice and gently scrub.
· Using a very fine steel wool pad (like the one I send as a gift with the jewelry), wet it and gently rub it over the brass jewelry. This will restore its original color.
IMPORTANT! IF THE JEWELRY HAS ANY PATINA OR ENAMEL, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO WET OR BRUSH THIS PART, AS THE PIGMENTS MAY BE REMOVED.
SILVER:
To make our jewelry, we use 925 silver (an alloy of 95% pure silver and 15% copper). Silver is a noble material that can be recycled.
Cleaning silver:
· Use a soft toothbrush, and wash the piece with mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly.
· Do not use abrasive polishes, chemical tarnish removers, or ultrasonic cleaners on pieces with stones, pearls, fabric, plastic, or glass.
GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY:
The gold-plating process we use for our jewelry is carried out using an electrolytic deposition technique, in which a thin layer of gold coats the base metal. This protects the brass from oxidation; the layers are 3 microns thick.
To care for your jewelry and prevent wear, it is important to bear in mind that friction and time cause the material to wear down. Earrings are the pieces least affected by wear because they experience almost no friction, unlike necklaces and rings, which usually lose their plating more quickly.
Care tips for gold-plated jewelry:
· Do not wear the jewelry while exercising or going into the water; sweat, moisture, and heat affect the gold plating.
· Avoid contact with cleaning products.
· Store your jewelry in its box.
Cleaning gold-plated jewelry
· Use lukewarm water, pH-neutral soap, and a soft toothbrush.
Gently rub with soap and rinse with warm water, then dry.
Never use metal polish or any other abrasive substance, as this will remove the gold layer.
