General jewelry care:
Try to take your jewelry off before washing dishes, household cleaning or showering/bathing. Normal detergets could harm gemstones and accelerate wear and tear. When you take your jewelry off do so carefully, slowly and over a soft surface, so if it drops you will avoid any breaking, nicks or scratches to the surfaces.
General care and maintenance for your beaded and strung pieces:
All of or vintage pieces has been restrung with new cord or elastic. However, with repeated wear, the elastic or cord will eventually loosen or stretch. It is recommended as general care for your jewelry that you restring your beaded pieces when you notice this to avoid sudden breakage.
General ring resizing notes:
Sizing down is not a problem but sizing up should be avoided. Additionally, keep in mind that resizing could effect existing hallmarks, signatures and/or markings on vintage pieces and will diminish the integrity and value of those pieces. Marianne Anderson's rings should NOT be resized due to the intricate pattern on the ring band.
Caring for Jet:
Jet can be safely washed in a mild detergent and warm water. It is recommended that moistened cotton swabs be used to gently remove any surface dirt. The Jet should then be allowed to dry and then the 'shine' (if it has a glossy finish) can be restored by gently wiping with baby oil. Always keep Jet separate from other jewelry since it is quite soft and can be scratched. Wrap your Jet piece in tissue paper or soft cloth to prevent rubbing against other items.
Caring for 925 sterling silver:
We recommend using a special, chemically treated soft cloth for cleaning silver, usually this cloth inludes one that cleans and one that buffs. Beware of 'dips' or liquid solutions, especially with pieces that hold gemstones.
Caring for oxidized sterling silver (ex. Marianne Anderson's pieces):
Oxidized silver requires virtually no cleaning. To remove dirt from intricate patterned areas use a soft brush either dry or with soapy water. Avoid hard brushes or any abrasives as they will scratch the surface and remove the patina. Do not immerse oxidized areas in any chemicals such as jewellery cleaning solutions as this will remove the oxidization. To clean gold areas use a soft polishing cloth that is suitable for use with gold alloys.
Caring for leather pieces:
Keep your leather pieces away from all other jewelry in soft pouches as it can scratch and stain, just like shoes. It can be lightly cleaned, if necessary, with a soft dust-free, clean cloth. Do not bring leather pieces into contact with water. For suede pieces, if there are any small dirt stains, you can gently rub them off with a soft eraser. Leather is a natural, porous material and will absorb body oils over time.
General care for vintage pieces:
All the vintage pieces we sell here are meant to last, especially with proper care. Follow our general jewelry care above and depending on the material of your piece, take proper care of it and clean regularly. Many of our pieces have already had a long lifetime, and if taken care of properly will be with you forever.
Caring for solid crystal rings:
Be extra careful when removing these rings as any contact with a hard surface will cause scratches or, if dropped, can chip. Body oils and dirt can sometimes adhere to the surface of the crystal. When this occurs, simply bathe the ring gently in soap and warm water, then dry with a clean cloth.
Caring for pearls:
Pearls can easily be scratched, cracked, and damaged so should not be worn when doing heavy work. They are easily spoiled by substances such as perfume and hair spray and even natural body oils and perspiration can dull their lustre. Please take care not to apply perfume whilst wearing your pearls and wipe them after wearing with a soft, damp cloth to remove any traces of cosmetics or body oils. Do not use any chemicals to clean your pearls. Even a mild soap could cause damage to their sheen. Only use jewelry cleaners labeled as safe for pearls. When taking off a pearl ring, hold the metal part, rather than the pearl. This will prevent the pearl from loosening and coming into contact with skin oils on your hand. Because of their delicacy, pearls should not be placed next to other gems in a jewelry box. If possible, store your pearls in a separate box or pouch. This will also help protect your delicate pearls from changes in the atmosphere.
For information on sizing, please refer to Jewelry Sizes.
. . . And most importantly, enjoy your treasures!