"Maintain your jewelry, and it will radiate its beauty for years to come. Although every piece of jewelry boasts its own unique allure, without proper care, they can lose their luster and appear dull over time. If you wish to preserve the pristine appearance of your jewelry, it's essential to provide it with the attention it deserves. Follow these straightforward guidelines to ensure the longevity of your precious pieces"

Protecting Your Jewelry:
Safeguard your jewelry from sharp blows, scratches, chemicals, and abrasives. Our crafted pieces are delicate and aren't intended for activities like sports, swimming, gardening, or cleaning. When not in use, it's advisable to store your jewelry in airtight zip bags or soft anti-tarnish pouches.

Cleaning Oxidized Silver:
Oxidation is the process of blackening silver by immersing it in a chemical solution called Liver of Sulfur. This treatment is semi-permanent and may lighten with time due to wear. A protective layer of food-grade wax has been applied to extend the color, but it still requires some care.

To maintain the surface color, avoid contact with lotions, perfumes, and similar substances. Remove rings when washing your hands and refrain from wearing jewelry in the shower or while sleeping. If you've purchased an oxidized piece from Andrea Shelley and need re-oxidization information, please contact us.

Cleaning Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This composition is why it's commonly referred to as 925 silver. Sterling silver is an excellent choice for jewelry, as it's durable and easy to clean.

While exposure to air can cause tarnish on the surface, it's easily remedied with a soft polishing cloth or an alternative hands-off method. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to prevent tarnish on your sterling pieces is to wear them regularly. The friction from contact with your skin naturally removes tarnish as it develops. Feel free to wear your sterling jewelry in the shower or to bed, but remember to remove it during activities where it might encounter chemicals, such as swimming or cleaning.

Cleaning Your Moissanite Jewelry at Home:
If you've ever uncovered a forgotten piece of silver jewelry in the depths of your jewelry box—dark, lackluster, and far from its former shine—then you're acquainted with tarnish.

What is tarnish? It's a chemical reaction between silver and the sulfur present in the air. Over time, it's nearly inevitable unless you choose to vacuum-seal your jewelry between wears (a method that's hardly practical).

So, what can you do to restore the luster of your jewelry?

5 Simple Steps to Clean Your Jewelry at Home:

1. Prepare a Bowl: Begin by selecting a bowl and lining it with a piece of aluminum foil.

2. Create a Cleaning Solution: Pour warm water into the bowl and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir to dissolve the baking soda.

3. Submerge Your Jewelry: Carefully place your tarnished silver jewelry into the mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for a period of 2-3 hours.

4. Retrieve Your Jewelry: After the soaking duration, remove your jewelry from the bowl.

5. Final Cleaning: Using a soft cotton cloth, gently clean your jewelry. The tarnish should come off easily, leaving your jewelry looking radiant and polished.