Care instructions
Remember, with proper care and knowledge, your pieces can last a lifetime and beyond.
STERLING SILVER
1. KNOW THE DIGITS
Those sterling silver digits, we mean! Here's a good rule of thumb. If your goods have a rating of .950, they need consistent polishing. If they have a rating of .925, the material is sturdier and doesn't need as much cleaning.
All of Casa Lovina's sterling silver jewelry is .925 and should require a little less work than the silver you may have purchased elsewhere.
If you're totally unsure or there is no label in view, check with your jeweler. This is one of the reasons we strongly advocate checking digits. It guarantees legitimate silver (and sadly, there is a lot of fake jewelry out there).
2. DRY SILVER IS HAPPY SILVER
Interesting fact: pure water by itself doesn't damage sterling silver, but most of the water we're exposed to in our daily lives is not purified. Chemicals and contaminants in the water can result in tarnished and dull looking silver, so it's best to know what's what when it comes to water.
3. MAINTAIN PROPER STORAGE
If you leave a fancy car out in the rain, what happens? It gets dirty! The similar principle applies to sterling silver care. You need appropriate storage for your stunning pieces. And, you need to be diligent about maintenance.
Air exposure can wreck havoc by tarnishing your delicate silver. Don't just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewelry chest. And, don't just leave it in your purse or drawer!
It's best to store silver in individual, air-tight bags with anti-tarnish properties. These types of bags keep air exposure out, and keep the shininess and brilliance intact.
Unclasp and unhook the jewelry to avoid potential scratching. Do NOT bunch several pieces in the same bag to save time or space. This can create tangling, scratching, tarnish, and that is exactly what we are trying to avoid here!
For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
Finally, if you are traveling with your jewelry (because we know you want to look glamorous when in paradise), be sure to use individual air-tight bags or special case for protection! The last issue you want to deal with on vacation is scratched-up jewelry, right?
4. KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELRY
Yes, we know how much you love your gorgeous ring, necklace or bracelet. And, we know it can be hard to take those babies on and off again. But, it's critical, and here's why :
Silver is a soft metal, any pull or preassure can alter or damage your silver jewelry.
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Don't take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry!
It is optimal to remove jewelry during the following times:
5. POLISH IT PRETTY
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. Fortunately, sterling silver care can be as easy as a fast rubdown.
To do this, use a simple microfiber cloth or special jewelry cloth (not paper towels or toilet paper) to clean your goods.
Focus on maintaining long up-and-down strokes to clean the jewelry. Be sure to use different parts of the cloth to avoid spreading any tarnish. Do not use circular motions here, as it can actually make the tarnish or dirt worse. Be sure to avoid polishing any part of the jewelry that is intentionally oxidized.
For more complex or tight, detailed areas, go in with a Q-tip. It'll get into every nook and cranny you need. And, that's it! Easy, right?
GOLD VERMEIL
Gold vermeil is an overlay of gold over a base of sterling silver and requires special care. To extend the life of your gold vermeil jewelry, remove when washing hands, showering, applying lotions or perfumes, using harsh cleansers, or working out. Always store your jewelry in a dry place, preferably in individual air-tight bags.
IMPORTANT! Do NOT use chemical jewelry cleansers or polishing cloths on gold vermeil jewelry.
Gold vermeil jewelry will fade to a warm silver or a light 10K gold colour. This is the nature of plated jewelry. The rate of wear depends on care, climate and individual body chemistry, and may vary greatly on a case by case basis.
As rings are worn on the hand, and are exposed to more frequent rubbing, they will often age more quickly than necklaces or earrings.
We do not offer re-plating of our gold vermeil designs and all sales of gold vermeil jewelry are final.
1. KNOW THE DIGITS
Those sterling silver digits, we mean! Here's a good rule of thumb. If your goods have a rating of .950, they need consistent polishing. If they have a rating of .925, the material is sturdier and doesn't need as much cleaning.
All of Casa Lovina's sterling silver jewelry is .925 and should require a little less work than the silver you may have purchased elsewhere.
If you're totally unsure or there is no label in view, check with your jeweler. This is one of the reasons we strongly advocate checking digits. It guarantees legitimate silver (and sadly, there is a lot of fake jewelry out there).
2. DRY SILVER IS HAPPY SILVER
Interesting fact: pure water by itself doesn't damage sterling silver, but most of the water we're exposed to in our daily lives is not purified. Chemicals and contaminants in the water can result in tarnished and dull looking silver, so it's best to know what's what when it comes to water.
- Shower. It's not a great idea to shower with your jewelry on, but once in a while isn't going to do any lasting damage. Just make sure to dry it after.
- Swimming Pool. Take your silver off. Chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical, so if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewelry before hopping in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward.
- Hot Tub. Same idea as the swimming pool, butthere's even more chlorine in the hot tub and the heat can accelerate the chemical reaction.
- Hot Springs. The sulfur in natural hot springs will wreak havoc on your silver. Unless you're going for that "dark oxidized" look, avoid at all costs.
- Bonus Tip: Chemicals in lotions and perfumes can also cause your jewelry to tarnish. Apply them first, let them dry, and then put your jewelry on. This alone can make a HUGE difference in your silver's luster.
3. MAINTAIN PROPER STORAGE
If you leave a fancy car out in the rain, what happens? It gets dirty! The similar principle applies to sterling silver care. You need appropriate storage for your stunning pieces. And, you need to be diligent about maintenance.
Air exposure can wreck havoc by tarnishing your delicate silver. Don't just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewelry chest. And, don't just leave it in your purse or drawer!
It's best to store silver in individual, air-tight bags with anti-tarnish properties. These types of bags keep air exposure out, and keep the shininess and brilliance intact.
Unclasp and unhook the jewelry to avoid potential scratching. Do NOT bunch several pieces in the same bag to save time or space. This can create tangling, scratching, tarnish, and that is exactly what we are trying to avoid here!
For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
Finally, if you are traveling with your jewelry (because we know you want to look glamorous when in paradise), be sure to use individual air-tight bags or special case for protection! The last issue you want to deal with on vacation is scratched-up jewelry, right?
4. KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELRY
Yes, we know how much you love your gorgeous ring, necklace or bracelet. And, we know it can be hard to take those babies on and off again. But, it's critical, and here's why :
Silver is a soft metal, any pull or preassure can alter or damage your silver jewelry.
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
Don't take your chances. Preventative care is significantly easier than dealing with damaged jewelry!
It is optimal to remove jewelry during the following times:
- Household chores, such as dishes, laundry, and when using cleaning supplies
- When exercising, at the gym, or playing contact sports
- When showering or bathing
- Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas
- Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool)
- When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products)
- Preparing, cooking, or eating foods that contain sulfur (this includes eggs and mayonnaise).
- Outside chores or tasks, such as gardening
5. POLISH IT PRETTY
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. Fortunately, sterling silver care can be as easy as a fast rubdown.
To do this, use a simple microfiber cloth or special jewelry cloth (not paper towels or toilet paper) to clean your goods.
Focus on maintaining long up-and-down strokes to clean the jewelry. Be sure to use different parts of the cloth to avoid spreading any tarnish. Do not use circular motions here, as it can actually make the tarnish or dirt worse. Be sure to avoid polishing any part of the jewelry that is intentionally oxidized.
For more complex or tight, detailed areas, go in with a Q-tip. It'll get into every nook and cranny you need. And, that's it! Easy, right?
GOLD VERMEIL
Gold vermeil is an overlay of gold over a base of sterling silver and requires special care. To extend the life of your gold vermeil jewelry, remove when washing hands, showering, applying lotions or perfumes, using harsh cleansers, or working out. Always store your jewelry in a dry place, preferably in individual air-tight bags.
IMPORTANT! Do NOT use chemical jewelry cleansers or polishing cloths on gold vermeil jewelry.
Gold vermeil jewelry will fade to a warm silver or a light 10K gold colour. This is the nature of plated jewelry. The rate of wear depends on care, climate and individual body chemistry, and may vary greatly on a case by case basis.
As rings are worn on the hand, and are exposed to more frequent rubbing, they will often age more quickly than necklaces or earrings.
We do not offer re-plating of our gold vermeil designs and all sales of gold vermeil jewelry are final.
GOLD FILLED
Gold-filled can be cleaned, but you should only need to occasionally. It rarely tarnishes. Tarnishing can happen under extreme circumstances (intense exposure to sulfide will do it).
I personally never have a problem with gold filled jewelry, I also have accidentaly worn it in the water and have maintaned their color very well. However, with that being said, every body chemistry is slightly different which means each person can react differently with metal and any jewelry worn on the body often accumulates other grease and grime from normal wear.
Follow these cleaning instructions for the best results.
Suggested Cleaning Methods :
Gold-filled can be cleaned, but you should only need to occasionally. It rarely tarnishes. Tarnishing can happen under extreme circumstances (intense exposure to sulfide will do it).
I personally never have a problem with gold filled jewelry, I also have accidentaly worn it in the water and have maintaned their color very well. However, with that being said, every body chemistry is slightly different which means each person can react differently with metal and any jewelry worn on the body often accumulates other grease and grime from normal wear.
Follow these cleaning instructions for the best results.
Suggested Cleaning Methods :
- Mild soapy water and a toothbrush - a child's soft toothbrush and a mild detergent is the perfect combination for cleaning golf-filled jewelry. The detergent can remove residue or fingerprints from the item, and still leave it shiny and bright when it's done. Be sure the toothbrush is super soft or it may scratch your piece! (ONLY USE THIS CLEANING METHOD TO CLEAN CHAIN, NOT PENDANT)
- Soft cloth - using a clean, soft cotton cloth is an ideal way to polish your gold-filled pieces. A soft cloth will not scratch the surface. There are treated jewelry polishing cloths, that work well; however, some chemicals are not recommended on gold-filled items so double check that they are safe to use. Do not leave chemicals on your gold-filled. Always rinse and polish again with a soft cloth to remove residue.
STRETCH BRACELET
- Always put your elastic bracelet on the right way. This is one of the main factors in bracelets that don't last. Never put on your bracelet by stretching it over your hand. As much as possible, roll it over your hand without excessive pulling.
- Keep the bracelet away from soap, perfumes, hair and skin products, sunscreen, salt water, etc. Many of the products we use every day can degrade the quality of the elastic over time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We all know that all these steps might not be as realistic as it sounds but with proper wear and care, your sterling silver, gold plating or gold filled jewelry (and all other metal types) should last for a long time. Being tarnish resistant doesn’t necessarily mean it will never tarnish. With improper care, any piece of jewelry will tarnish. The truth is all jewelry tarnishes overtime with wear and tear but the key is to prevent and delay the tarnishing effects.
While gold filled, gold vermeil, gold plating, titanium and sterling silver jewelry are very tarnish resistant for me, there are many variables that can affect how long jewelry can last for someone depending on their lifestyle and daily activities.
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROPER CARE, ABUSE OR MISUSE OF YOUR JEWELRY.
While gold filled, gold vermeil, gold plating, titanium and sterling silver jewelry are very tarnish resistant for me, there are many variables that can affect how long jewelry can last for someone depending on their lifestyle and daily activities.
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROPER CARE, ABUSE OR MISUSE OF YOUR JEWELRY.
HANDBAGS
BALI ATA BAG
Due to the process, these bags have a slight smoky scent that dissapear over time, if the smell is too strong, you can use baking soda to get rid of the smell.
These bags are moisture and heat resistant.
To clean, simply wipe your basket purse with a cloth and allow to air dry. Store the bag in a cotton bag to keep the dust away. If needed, simply blow the dust away with a blow dryer or keyboard cleaner type of compressed air.
Due to the process, these bags have a slight smoky scent that dissapear over time, if the smell is too strong, you can use baking soda to get rid of the smell.
These bags are moisture and heat resistant.
To clean, simply wipe your basket purse with a cloth and allow to air dry. Store the bag in a cotton bag to keep the dust away. If needed, simply blow the dust away with a blow dryer or keyboard cleaner type of compressed air.
