Caring for your Jewelry
At Opus V, we believe that every piece of jewelry you own should be cherished to maintain its brilliance and beauty for years to come. Crafted using traditional metalsmithing techniques and quality materials, our jewelry is made to last for generations. We use solid metals in our jewelry, avoiding gold-filled or gold-plated options, to ensure the longevity and enduring quality of each piece. Over time, each piece will develop what we like to call “the patina of wear.” This natural change that happens to all jewelry is a testament to the stories and memories associated with your jewelry. To help you preserve its brilliance, we’ve provided some essential care tips below.
Silver Jewelry Care
Silver jewelry, while stunning, can tarnish over time due to exposure to air and moisture. Here are some steps to care for your silver jewelry:
Regular Cleaning:
Polishing Cloth: Use a soft polishing cloth to gently wipe away tarnish and restore the shine.
Mild Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water. Soak your silver jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth (tissues and paper towels can scratch jewelry - we recommend using a microfiber cloth).
(If your piece contains gemstones, try to avoid dish soap as it can build a film behind the stones making them look dull).
Storage:
To preserve your silver jewelry, store in an enclosed dry space to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
Ensure your storage system is protecting your silver from tarnish, not contributing to it. Materials like plastic bags or plastic containers (such as Tupperware) contain high levels of sulfates, which can speed up tarnishing.
Professional Cleaning:
If your silver jewelry becomes heavily tarnished or scratched, consider having it professionally cleaned to restore its original luster. We recommend reaching out to local jewelry shops in your area for a cleaning.
Gold Jewelry Care
Gold jewelry, known for its timeless opulence, requires gentle care to maintain its brilliance. Follow these tips to care for your gold pieces:
Regular Cleaning:
Mild Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water. Soak your gold jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth (tissues and paper towels can scratch jewelry - we recommend using a microfiber cloth).
(If your piece contains gemstones, try to avoid dish soap as it can build a film behind the stones making them look dull).
Storage:
Separate Compartments: Store your gold jewelry in separate compartments or individual pouches to prevent scratching.
Professional Cleaning:
If your gold jewelry becomes heavily scratched, consider having it professionally cleaned to restore its original luster. We recommend reaching out to local jewelry shops in your area for a cleaning.
General Tips for Both Silver and Gold Jewelry
Wear with Care: Put on your jewelry after applying makeup, hairspray, perfume, or lotions to minimize exposure to chemicals and reduce the frequency of needing to clean your jewelry.
Remove During Excessive Physical Activities: Take off your jewelry during activities like weight lifting, working with harsh chemicals, or swimming to avoid damage or loss.
Travel with Care: When traveling, store your jewelry in a travel case with separate compartments to prevent pieces from tangling or scratching.
By following these care tips, you can preserve the brilliance of your silver and gold jewelry. At Opus V, we are passionate about providing you with the highest quality materials that you can cherish forever. For any other questions about jewelry care, please reach out to meghan@opusvjewelry.com.