Caring for your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Genuine AuraStella .925 pure Sterling silver may tarnish when exposed to certain naturally-occurring pollutants in the air.  By following a few simple directions, however, caring for your AuraStella jewelry is a simple process that will maintain it’s intrensic beauty for years to come.

• Use specially-designed Silver polishing cloths should be used before you wear Silver jewelry.  These are specially treated cloths designed to polish and care for your sterling silver and prevent tarnishing.
• Store your Silver jewelry in an airtight container and a cool dry place.  Wipe your jewelry clean with a soft cloth before returning it to storage to remove any body oils and dirt.
• When dressing ALWAYS put on your jewelry last to avoid contact with solutions.  Do not spray any perfume or cologne on your silver pieces , this will tarnish and stain the sterling silver.  Make your jewelry the last thing you put on in the morning, and the first thing you take off at night.
• Remove when cleaning, swimming and taking a shower. The chemicals used during these activities could cause immediate tarnishing.
• Ignore the recommendations by your mother/grandmother to use toothpaste to clean sterling silver…toothpaste is abrasive and can leave scratches.  Old wives tales!
• Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs, and suntan lotion. Remember, some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach, these will cause discoloration and also loosen the gemstones.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and commercial jewelry cleaners “dips” especially if the pieces have an oxidized finish or gemstones. Using harsh polishing cleaners will alter the intentional antique look of your jewelry and loosen the settings of your gemstones.
• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist cloth until clean.
• If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, do not immerse in water, as this can loosen some settings. Never use dips or abrasives cleaners on gemstones.

Caring for your silver jewelry is not tough… it just involves a little bit of effort, but mostly common sense!