Jewelry Cleaning

Pearls

 

Stella Nicole Jewelry’s pearls are freshwater pearls.

 

These cultured pearls are both a natural and delicate gemstone with a mineral hardness between 2.5-4.5 out of 10, where a gemstone with a rating of 10 is the hardest stone. Since pearls are a soft structure they require proper care. Pearls are not like any other jewelry, so here at Stella Nicole Jewelry we have provided details on how to properly clean and properly maintain your pearls.

 

Wearing your pearls

 

Pearls are Last on, first off!

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• The rule “last on” ensures that your pearls nacre and luster do not become dull or damaged. Putting your pearls on last allows for your perfume to dry and ensures that any makeup, perspiration, sunblock, and oils do not come into contact with your pearls’ surface. Putting your pearl jewelry “last on” also includes after you have finished styling your hair. The rule “first off” ensures that you don’t scratch your pearls and that your pearls don’t get caught on your clothes or any other jewelry you are wearing.

 

Do’s

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• Do utilize a dry soft cloth to wipe your pearls after each wearing prevents buildup of oil or other elements that your jewelry comes into contact with.

• If there are visible stains (oxidation) on your pearls, do dip a soft cleaning cloth into a mix of tepid water and mild liquid soap, wring out the cloth, and wipe your pearls. Next, rinse by dipping another soft cloth in clean water, wring it out and wipe away the soap. Last, allow them to completely dry by gently rubbing the pearls dry and then wrapping them in a soft cotton cloth to totally dry.

• Do only use jewelry cleaners that are labeled as safe for cleaning pearls.

• Do store your pearls separately and away from other jewelry and other abrasive objects in a soft, fabric-lined compartment or in a soft chamois bag, a satin pouch, a velvet box, or wrapped in a tissue.

• If you scratch a pearl, do gently rub olive oil on the scratched area and then wipe off the excess oil a soft cloth.

 

Don’ts

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• Don’t use any chemicals, abrasives, solvents, chlorine, bleach, vinegar, ammonia, Windex, detergent, or alcohol, to clean your pearls, as these will damage your pearls.

• Don’t use toothbrushes, scouring pads, “magic erasers,” abrasive materials, chemical cleaning pads (even those marked as ‘safe for non-stick’ or ‘gentle’), a steam cleaner, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or any cleaner that contains acid on your pearls.

• Don’t wear your pearl jewelry while swimming, showering, or sleeping.

 

Sterling Silver

 

Stella Nicole Jewelry’s sterling silver pieces are an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.

 

The easiest way to prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing is by wearing it. When your sterling silver does tarnish (oxidation) focus on the sterling silver, but remember to safeguard any adjacent beads, such as pearls, as they may be adversely affected.

 

Do’s

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• Do utilize a dry soft microfiber cloth or a silver jewelry polishing cloth to wipe off your sterling silver jewelry with long up and down strokes after each wearing (circular strokes makes tarnishing worse). Utilize different sections of the cloth to avoid spreading the tarnish.

• Use your hands to gently feel and remove any debris while gently rinsing your jewelry with tepid water prior to cleaning. After rinsing, place your jewelry on a soft cloth.

• If there are visible stains (oxidation) on your sterling silver jewelry, do dip a soft cleaning cloth (or a cotton ball/pad) into a mix of 1 cup tepid water and ¼ tablespoon mild liquid hand soap (phosphate-free and ammonia-free, e.g. citrus-free Dawn), wring out the cloth, and wipe down your sterling silver jewelry with long up and down strokes. Next, rinse your jewelry by dipping another soft cloth in clean warm water, wring it out, and wipe away the soap. Lastly, prior to storing, completely dry your jewelry with a dry, clean, soft cloth by gently rubbing your sterling silver jewelry with long up and down strokes.

• Do dry your sterling silver jewelry completely prior to storing or wearing.

 

Don’ts

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• Don’t wear your sterling silver jewelry while swimming, showering, or sleeping.

• Don’t store your sterling silver jewelry next to other metals in order to prevent scratching.

 

Rose Gold Filled

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Stella Nicole Jewelry’s rose gold filled pieces are a soft metal that consists of a solid layer of gold (14k) that is permanently bonded to a base metal, such as brass. The rose color is a result of alloying gold with copper. To be considered rose gold filled, the minimum layer of gold must equal at least 1/20th the weight of the total rose gold piece of jewelry. Rose gold-filled jewelry will not peel or flake under normal wear, unlike rose gold plated.

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Do’s

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• Since your rose gold-filled jewelry is a soft metal, do use extra caution to avoid damage during cleaning.

• Do utilize a dry soft cloth to wipe the rose-gold filled portion of your hoops and your beads to prevent buildup of oil or other elements that your jewelry may come into contact with throughout the day.

• For soft cleaning, do dip a soft cloth into a mix of 1 cup tepid water and ¼ tablespoon mild liquid hand soap (phosphate free, phosphate-free and ammonia-free, e.g. citrus-free Dawn), wring out the cloth, and wipe the rose gold-filled portion of your jewelry. Next, rinse by dipping another soft cloth in clean water, wring it out, and wipe away the soap. Lastly, dry them off completely by gently rubbing the jewelry pieces dry and then wrapping them in a soft cotton cloth to fully dry.

• For deep cleaning, do soak your rose gold filled jewelry in a mix of 1cup tepid water and ¼ tablespoon mild liquid hand soap (phosphate free, phosphate-free and ammonia-free, e.g. citrus-free Dawn) for about a minute. Use a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt. Rinse off soap residue with clean warm water and then pat dry your jewelry with a soft clean cloth.

• Do ensure your jewelry is completely dry before wearing or storing.

 

Don’ts

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• Don’t wear your rose gold filled jewelry while swimming, showering, or sleeping.

• Do not store your rose gold-filled jewelry next to other metals in order to prevent scratching.

 

Jewelry Embellished With Swarovski®

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Stella Nicole Jewelry’s crystal pieces are embellished with crystals from Swarovski® which are Austrian crystals that glisten from meticulous cuts and add either a clear or colorful brilliance to the piece of jewelry you select. Each piece of jewelry embellished with crystals from Swarovski® adds the perfect amount of sparkle to your jewelry.

 

Do’s

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• Do apply the “last on” rule (see under pearl care) to ensure that your jewelry with crystals does not become dull or damaged and that any makeup, perspiration, perfume, sunblock, and/or oils do not come into contact with your jewelry’s surface.

• Do apply the “first off” rule (see under pearl care) to ensure that you don’t scratch your jewelry or that it gets caught on your clothes or any other jewelry you are wearing.

• Do hold your jewelry with crystals in one hand while using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with your other hand to lightly and gently buff your jewelry to remove both dust and dirt. A smooth, circular motion should be used to return the jewelry’s unique luster and beauty.

• Do lightly pat your crystals with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after rinsing. Next, lay your crystals on a towel to complete the drying process.

• Do ensure your crystals are completely dry before storing.

• Do store your jewelry with crystals on a soft cloth surface.

 

Don’ts

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• Don’t soak your jewelry with crystals in water.

• Don’t use any harsh, abrasive, course materials or glass cleaners, such as Windex to clean your crystals.

• Don’t use hard tools to scrape off dirt from your jewelry with crystals.

• Don’t wear your jewelry with crystals while swimming, showering, or sleeping.