Fine jewelry is designed to become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for and stored properly. Daily wear and tear takes a toll on the beauty of your jewelry over time. Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year. We would love for you to bring your Penny James jewelry back to us for professional servicing but understand that this may not be possible. So, we are providing you with some tips to keep your jewelry collection looking its very best!
Your jewelry should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off! Put on your jewelry after all of your lotions, cosmetics and perfumes have been applied. All of these items will quickly dull the surface of your jewelry.
~ Do not wear your jewelry in pools or hot tubs. Chlorine and similar chemicals can do irreparable damage to jewelry.
~ Do not shower with your jewelry on. Showers and baths are especially damaging to pearl jewelry.
~ Do not sleep in your jewelry. Chains can get kinked or pulled. Prongs and settings can get damaged.
Also know that household cleaners such as bleach and abrasives are very damaging to jewelry.
Never, never, never soak your jewelry. Cleaners are harsh and can do irreparable damage if not used correctly. When in doubt, contact us and we will give you further advice on cleaning your jewelry.
Sterling Silver
Genuine sterling silver is one of the most beautiful and lustrous of all metals. If cared for and stored properly your silver will retain its original beauty and detail for many generations to come.
If your Penny pieces are looking dull but aren’t tarnished, they probably just need a little bubble bath. Clean your piece gently in a bath of warm water with a mild soap, rinse well and pat dry. Drying well with a soft cloth prevents water spots. Lay the item on a fresh towel to dry completely before storing.
Sterling silver has a tendency to tarnish, especially when exposed to lotions, cosmetics, perfumes and salt air. Penny James jewelry is lightly coated with rhodium, a tarnish resistant metal. This greatly slows the tarnishing process so that your Penny pieces require minimal care on a daily basis. Also, silver that is worn regularly typically needs less cleaning, so we recommend wearing your silver jewelry often. If you’ve got it, flaunt it!
Keeping your silver jewelry in its original box or a small sealed bag slows down the tarnishing process. Also, some jewelry boxes are lined with a tarnish resistant fabric.
If your jewelry becomes tarnished we recommend using Connoisseur brand jewelry cleaners. A silver item with no stones and no gold accents can easily be “dipped”. Just follow the simple directions on the jar of silver cleaner. As we mentioned earlier, make sure that your jewelry is dry before storing.
Items set with delicate gemstones and/or gold accents are best cleaned with “jewelry paste”. Follow the instructions on the jar taking care to avoid delicate gems such as pearl, shell, opal and abalone. Rinse well and allow to dry.
Gold Jewelry
Genuine 14k gold is a beautiful and very low maintenance metal, making it a top choice for jewelry designers and jewelry collectors. Gold holds its brilliant shine and does not tarnish under normal circumstances. All jewelry does require occasional cleaning. For these cleanings we recommend Connoisseurs brand jewelry cleaning products. Follow the directions on the jar to freshen up your jewelry regularly!
Jewelry storage is important as well. At the time of purchase, all Penny James jewelry is packaged in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. While not being worn, we recommend that you place it back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch. Storing jewelry properly reduces the risk of scratches, chips and dents.
Two Tone ~ Combination Jewelry
We love, love, love combining sterling silver and 14k gold in our jewelry in our designs. Here are a few tips to keep your two tone Penny pieces looking their very best.
If your two tone jewelry starts to lose its luster or show a little tarnish, it is time for a cleaning. Connoisseurs brand jewelry paste is recommended for two tone jewelry items. A thin layer of paste is all that is needed to remove tarnish and restore luster. Take care to rinse your piece thoroughly using a soft brush to remove paste from detailed areas or gemstones. Follow the directions on the jar and dry thoroughly.
These are basic tips for at home cleanings. As we mentioned before, feel free to visit our Maertens boutique or your local Penny James retailer for regular cleanings. We are always happy to see you and give your jewelry a complimentary bubble bath! If this is not possible, please use the tips that we have provided. Visit a reputable jeweler if you have occasional loose stones, clasps or concerns that are more technical than cleaning and never hesitate to contact us!