Caring for Silver Jewelry
Silver is tarnished by sulfur containing elements such as wool, felt, food (onions, eggs, and mayonnaise), fossil fuels, rubber bands, latex gloves, carpet padding, and certain paints. Tarnish can be accelerated in a humid environment. Salts, from foods, bodily oils, or natural elements (the ocean air) are corrosive elements and therefore a danger to silver. The effects of salts, if not quickly removed, can permanently damage fine silver.
Tarnish is easily removed when first noticed. If used and polished often, silver will tarnish infrequently. Tarnish that is allowed to sit over time, however, becomes difficult to remove.
Information provide by Hagerty & Sons
How to Care for Native Silver Jewelry
Sterling Silver jewelry should only be cleaned with a silver polishing cloth or cleaner that specifically says silver jewelry.
All semi-precious stones used in the Native American jewelry should be handled with care. At no time should they be in contact with bleach, lotions, detergents or other chemicals. Semi-precious stones are naturally softer and more porous than gem stones causing them to absorb these chemicals. Absorption of chemicals changes the structural integrity of the stone. These changes include but are not limited to color change and stone weakness.
We recommend an annual professional cleaning and checking of the stone settings to preserve the life of your jewelry. Repairs and checking of your jewelry can be done through our in store service department.