Caring for Raw Copper and Sterling Silver Jewelry

In general…

Copper and silver jewelry tarnishes over time with exposure to water, salt, sweat, and other substances. You should avoid contact with moisture, keep it dry, and protect it from abrasive and corrosive materials.

  • Avoid wearing jewelry in the bath, shower, pool, ocean… and if you get your jewelry wet, dry it thoroughly before wearing it again
  • If you apply perfume or lotion, wait until your skin is completely dry before putting on your jewelry
  • Store your jewelry in a dry location (avoid the bathroom), and add a desiccant packet to its container
  • Polish your jewelry with a soft cloth specially designed for jewelry to keep it in good condition. This also allows you to check its condition and clean hard-to-reach areas thoroughly.
  • Have buildup in the crevices? No problem! A soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and a little patience, and those crevices will be free of skin residue, sebum, and other debris. Follow up with a thorough dry with a soft cloth, then air dry overnight, and your jewelry will be ready to wear again.
  • Avoid old wives’ tales (baking soda, vinegar, ketchup, baby oil…) which can cause micro-scratches, corrosion, or even faster tarnishing… not to mention endangering the integrity of many natural stones!
  • To fully dry a piece of jewelry, store it in an airtight container filled with dried peas, dry rice, or desiccant packets overnight (at least 8 hours).

Metal Care

Intentionally Oxidized Jewelry (Antique Finish)

Some pieces in our collections are intentionally oxidized using a special product made for this purpose, then meticulously polished with specialized products. This gives them a darker, aged look compared to the natural bright metal. This oxidation can wear away with friction. As a result, your jewelry may fade in areas that regularly touch your body, or if you clean it too often or too aggressively, or with overly abrasive products. Light polishing with a soft cloth is usually enough to maintain these pieces.

Non-Oxidized (Bright) Jewelry

Bright metal jewelry, meaning non-oxidized, can tarnish over time. Regular polishing with a soft cloth is usually enough to keep your jewelry in good condition. If your jewelry is heavily tarnished, you can use a gentle copper or silver jewelry cleaner, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it completely before wearing it. Some jewelers can advise you on which products to use.

We recommend in both cases:

 Connoisseurs Jewellery Wipes (available on Amazon)
Weiman Silver Wipes for Sterling Silver Lingettes Weiman Silver pour argent sterling, assiette en argent et argent fin antique, paq. 20 Front_Flat


Cleaning Natural Stones

Some stones can be damaged by water, others will fade when exposed to sunlight, and some can crack if submerged in acidic liquids. Please refer to the properties of the stones in your jewelry to avoid damaging them!

Copper and Green Skin Stains

Copper jewelry can sometimes leave green or brown discoloration on your skin. This is not an allergic reaction and is not permanent. It is an oxidation reaction caused by sweat, which is very common. Some sources claim this is due to a lack of vitamin D or zinc, while others say it is caused by overly acidic or alkaline sweat. If your jewelry stains your skin, dry it every night before bed, and clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water once a week to prevent sweat from causing corrosion on the jewelry.

ALLERGIES

Some people may have allergic reactions to jewelry. The usual signs are redness, swelling, or bumps at the site where you wear the jewelry. If you notice signs of contact allergies, consult your doctor and stop wearing your jewelry.