"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment" -Thich Nhat Hanh
THE BASICS:
1. Avoid chemicals: Keep away from chemicals such as sunscreen, lotions, perfume/cologne, chlorine, salt water and body oils like sweat.
2. Clean Regularly: Remove all residue from the day that may be on the surface of your jewelry with a gentle soap and warm water (feel free to shower with your jewelry on), then pat dry and wipe with a polishing cloth (included with purchase).
3. Store Properly: In order to slow the natural process of oxidation, gold filled jewelry should be stored in something airtight with low humidity (a ziplock bag works perfectly). Less air = less oxidation. Store separately from sterling silver.
THE DETAILS:
Gold-filled jewelry is made through a process of pressure bonding thick layers of gold to jewelers brass. It is a durable (and affordable) alternative to solid gold and does not easily chip or tarnish. When properly cared for, your gold-filled jewelry can last beautifully for years.
What is tarnish? Tarnish or oxidation is a naturally occurring product of a chemical reaction between a metal and non-metal compound such as oxygen or sulfur dioxide. Since gold-filled jewelry is covered in a layer of solid gold (and gold doesn't tarnish) your jewelry can maintain its color and shine for years. However, it's important to know that various factors can break down the layers of gold and potentially result in darkening to discoloration.
Individual Body Chemistry: Everyone's individual body chemistry reacts differently with metal depending on the day. Factors such as your diet, medicine or medications you may have taken and/or changes to your environment can influence the pH of your body and therefore, can cause gold to tarnish quicker for some than for other.
Remove When Exercising: The chemicals that enter your body, leave your body when you sweat. Best practice would be to remove jewelry before high intensity exercising.
Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water: Harsh chemicals do not work well with jewelry. Remove jewelry before spending long periods of time in any pools, hot tubs or oceans. A quick dip is okay, just remember to clean off any residue from the day as soon as possible.
Daily Products: Keep away from chemicals such as sunscreen, lotions, perfume/cologne, chlorine, salt water and body oils like sweat. I recommend putting on your jewelry after your daily products have already settled onto your skin. Avoid spraying or applying anything directly to the jewelry.
Storage: In order to slow the process of oxidation, it's best to store your clean jewelry in an airtight container when not wearing it (a small ziplock bag works perfectly). Store separately from sterling silver.
HOW TO CLEAN GOLD FILLED JEWELRY:
- Soak jewelry for 5-10 minutes in a bowl of warm water and a gentle soap.
- Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt and build-up. Avoid using anything abrasive because scratches on the surface of your jewelry can lead to tarnish.
- Pat dry with a clean and soft cloth.
- Lightly wipe with polishing cloth included with purchase.
