Taking Care of Your Jewelry

I put a lot of love into making these pieces, and I want them to last you a lifetime! Because I work with natural metals and genuine gemstones, your jewelry will change and develop its own character over time.

Here is the honest, face-to-face breakdown of what you need to know to keep your jewelry looking beautiful.

The Golden Rules

If you remember nothing else, just remember these three things:

Last on, first off: Put your jewelry on after you’ve done your makeup, perfume, and lotion. Take it off before you go to bed so it doesn’t snag or bend.

Keep it dry: Take it off before you shower, swim, or hit the gym. Water, sweat, and chemicals (like chlorine) are the fastest ways to mess with the finish.

Store it right: When you aren't wearing a piece, keep it in a little airtight baggie or a closed jewelry box. Leaving it out on the counter makes it tarnish much faster.

Let's Talk About the Metals

Sterling Silver

Silver naturally reacts with the air and will tarnish over time. Honestly? The best way to keep it from tarnishing is just to wear it. The natural oils in your skin keep it bright. If it does start looking a bit dull, just give it a gentle rub with a soft polishing cloth.

Mixed Metals (Copper & Brass)

I love mixing copper and brass with silver, but because they are base metals, they darken and oxidize a lot faster than silver.

The green mark: Depending on your skin chemistry, copper and brass can sometimes leave a harmless green mark on your skin. It’s totally normal, safe, and just washes off with soap.

Brightening it up: If you like that deep, rustic, lived-in look, just let it age naturally. If you prefer it bright and shiny, a quick buff with a polishing cloth will bring back the gleam.

Caring for Gemstones

Not all stones are created equal, and some need a gentler hand than others.

Hard stones (like Quartz, Agate, or Garnet): These are pretty hardy. If they get dirty, you can clean them with a little warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

Soft or porous stones (like Turquoise, Malachite, or Opal): These are sensitive. Don't submerge them in water, and keep them away from soap and perfumes. Just wipe them down gently with a damp, soft cloth.

⚠️ One major thing to avoid: Please never use those liquid chemical "jewelry dips" you buy at the store. They are way too harsh and can permanently ruin copper, brass, and delicate gemstones.

Still Have Questions?

If a piece gets really dirty, or you ever want it professionally polished and brought back to life, just send me a message at amberlynn@bornewildjewelry.com  I'm always happy to help take care of the pieces I make!