Care Guide
Jewelry Care Guide
At Estrella De Oro Jewelry, we believe that high-quality jewelry deserves the best care to keep it shining beautifully for years to come. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain the beauty of your jewelry, whether it’s 14k gold, 925 sterling silver, or sterling silver with 14k gold plating.
Caring for 14k Gold Jewelry
14k gold is durable, but it still requires care to keep its natural shine. Follow these steps to clean and maintain your 14k gold jewelry:
How to Clean 14k Gold:
1. Routine Cleaning:
- Mix a mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Soak your 14k gold jewelry in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt and oils. Pay attention to areas where buildup can accumulate, like the settings.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Deep Cleaning:
- For heavier tarnish, you can use a gold-specific cleaner. Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth, following the product instructions.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods that could scratch or damage the surface.
Tips:
- Remove your 14k gold jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water or using harsh chemicals (e.g., cleaning products or perfumes).
- Store your jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Caring for 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
925 sterling silver is durable but more prone to tarnishing due to its reaction with air and moisture. To keep your sterling silver looking its best, follow these care tips:
How to Clean 925 Sterling Silver:
1. Routine Cleaning:
- Mix mild soap and warm water in a bowl.
- Soak your sterling silver jewelry for about 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub using a soft cloth or a non-abrasive toothbrush to remove tarnish.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Polishing Sterling Silver:
- Use a silver polish cloth or a polishing solution specifically designed for sterling silver.
- Gently buff the surface with the cloth to restore shine and remove tarnish.
3. Preventing Tarnish:
- To minimize tarnishing, store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place. Keeping it in a zippered pouch or airtight container will help.
- When not wearing it, keep your jewelry away from moisture, lotions, and perfumes.
Tips:
- Regularly clean your sterling silver pieces to prevent tarnish buildup.
- Avoid exposing sterling silver to harsh chemicals or chlorine, as these can cause damage over time.
Caring for 925 Sterling Silver with 14k Gold Plating
Jewelry plated with 14k gold offers the elegance of gold without the full price tag. However, since the plating can wear off over time, it's important to care for it properly:
How to Clean Sterling Silver with 14k Gold Plating:
1. Routine Cleaning:
- Use a mild soap solution with warm water to clean the jewelry, just as you would with 925 sterling silver.
- Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to gently clean the surface, avoiding vigorous rubbing to prevent damage to the gold plating.
- Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Avoid Harsh Scrubbing or Chemicals:
- Avoid using jewelry cleaning solutions specifically designed for gold, as these may be too harsh for plated jewelry and can strip the gold layer.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the gold plating.
3. Protecting the Gold Plating:
- To prolong the life of the gold plating, remove your jewelry before engaging in activities like swimming, washing hands, or applying lotions or perfumes.
- Store the piece in a separate pouch or box to avoid contact with other jewelry that may scratch or wear the plating.
Tips:
- 14k gold-plated jewelry requires gentler care since the gold layer is thinner than solid gold.
- If the gold plating begins to wear off, you may choose to have it re-plated by a professional jeweler to restore its shine.
General Jewelry Care Tips:
- Remove Jewelry Before Bed:Always take off your jewelry before going to bed to avoid potential damage while sleeping.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals:Jewelry should be removed when applying perfumes, lotions, or other chemicals, as they can tarnish or damage both silver and gold.
- Store Jewelry Properly: Keep your jewelry in a dry, cool place. Store it in a pouch or box to avoid scratches or tangling.
- Regularly Inspect Settings:Check that stones or settings are secure to prevent any loss of gems.
By following these simple care instructions, your jewelry will stay beautiful and maintain its value for years to come.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with care, don't hesitate to reach out to us!