That's A Wrap by M.E. Jester

Many of my wire jewelry pieces are created with silver plated wire or copper, they are polished to enhance the intricate wire patterns. Using a jewelry cleaner may damage the patina. The best care you can give your handmade jewelry is to simply NOT wear it when swimming or bathing or during activities that cause perspiration. First things first... the gemstones are NATURAL and therefore can be dam

aged by chemical reactions. This is why the swimming pool can be so damaging. Chlorine, salt water, perspiration, perfumes... all can cause damage, change of color, staining etc. That's NOT to say, don't wear your jewels to whatever and where ever you want! Just take a moment to realize that a minute or two of care can save your precious pretties from damage and allow you to enjoy them for a long long time. Some DOs:

* Put your perfume on BEFORE your jewelry.

* Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place away from direct sun exposure.

* After wearing your pretty things out, take them off, wipe them with a clean cloth and store them properly.

* Here's a fun one... WEAR your silver jewelry! Silver tarnishes and there's not much to do about that, but something you CAN do is enjoy it. Wearing them often will slowly coat the silver with the oils from your skin which will help slow the oxidation process. Wipe your silver with a clean dry cloth and store properly when not wearing. This won't prevent tarnishing totally but will help. Some cleaning recommendations are below.

* Remove your jewelry before you go to bed. Keeping your copper jewelry in an airtight bag when you're not wearing them, helps to slow the natural oxidation process. Cleaning your handmade collectible jewelry:

1 tablespoon dish detergent (Dawn works great!)
1 cup hot water

Pour hot water into bowl. Place salt, soda, and dish washing liquid into bowl. Place jewelry in bowl for approximately 30 minutes. Take an old toothbrush and gently brush the wire weave. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time. If there is a lot of tarnish or dirt on the piece, you can rinse the piece and soak for an additional few minutes.