CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY

 

Please care for your item by storing it correctly,  avoiding harsh chemicals and perfumes, keeping it dry, not wearing it to bed and not playing sport or other physical activities that could damage the item.

If your item is in need of a gentle clean a simple bath in water and dishwashing liquid should brighten up the metal, carefully scrub with a soft brush (an old toothbrush is perfect). Avoid silver and brass cleaners. As most of my work has a matt finish this can be restored back to its original condition (or to clean stubborn marks from brass) with a small piece of very fine steel wool or 'scotch brite'. Rub lightly and carefully in a circular motion. 

Brass items will naturally patina and age over time. This ever changing and beautiful characteristic should be embraced and forms part of my design process. If, however, you would prefer to restore your brass jewellery back to its original finish or make it a bit more 'shiny' you can clean it by following the above instructions.

If your item is finished with an oxidisation process (blackening of the surface) or a painted enamel finish please avoid scrubbing as you may remove the oxide or paint from the item. Please use a soft, dry, clean cloth to polish and avoid scratching the specialised area. 

The oxidisation process is not a permanent finish. It will fade and rub away over time depending on how you care for your jewellery and how often the piece is worn or rubbed against the skin. Eventually the bright silver underneath the blackened oxided area will be revealed.

An enamel painted item will also wear over time revealing the underlying layers of paint and finally the metal underneath the painted surface. Please avoid scratching the painted surfaces.