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Jewelry Care Tips

Jewelry Care with Alex a Mano

Jewelry is meant to be part of your everyday adventures, adding a touch of art to every moment, and I hope that’s exactly how you feel with each Alex a Mano piece. While my jewelry is designed to be low-maintenance, here are some friendly tips to keep your treasures looking their best:

Caring for Brass or Copper Jewelry

I protect all Alex a Mano pieces of copper or brass with a thin layer of microcrystalline wax, but with time and wear, this protective layer will naturally fade, and the metal may start to show some color change. When that happens, don’t worry—just give your jewelry a gentle clean! My favorite method is mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush, or a quick polish with a soft polishing cloth. Just be sure to avoid harsh acids, chemicals (including vinegar and lemon), or those “magical” cleaners you might find out there. Simple is best!

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver will naturally tarnish over time, especially when it meets oxygen or sulfur, but keeping it clean is easy. A soft cloth and a bit of silver polish will do the trick. To make it even easier, I include a polishing pad with every Sterling Silver piece. These little pads are pre-treated with micro-abrasives that are perfect for gently cleaning tarnish and oxidation, or highlighting textures on your jewelry. Just remember—there’s no need to wet them, and they work wonders on both Sterling Silver and base metals like copper or brass. Wear your silver often and store it away from humid areas to slow down tarnishing. Your jewelry loves being out and about as much as you do!

Caring for Oxidized Sterling Silver Jewelry

The deep, rich black of oxidized Sterling Silver is achieved with a darkening solution called Liver of Sulfur. Over time, this finish may develop its own unique patina, adding to its character. If you love that darkened look, avoid polishing cloths and the polishing pad—just clean with mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush, and let the patina evolve naturally. It’s like your jewelry telling its own story!

Caring for Gemstones

Gemstones are like little pieces of the earth’s magic, so they deserve gentle care. Most gemstones can be cleaned with mild detergent, warm water, and a very soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. If your jewelry combines metal and gemstones, be careful not to apply any metal polishing compounds or chemicals to the stones—some gems, like turquoise and pearls, are delicate and porous. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to bring your piece to a local jeweler for professional cleaning.

Caring for 14k Gold Jewelry

Good news—fine gold requires very little care! A gentle polish with a soft cloth every now and then will remove oils and bring back its beautiful luster. Simple, right?