Jewelry Care
When I step into my shop every morning to create, my intention is always to build pieces that can be passed on to the next generation. Here are a few tips on how best to care for your Double M Beadwork jewelry, and any other handmade turquoise pieces to keep it in the best possible condition!
Beaded Jewelry
All of my beaded pieces are created one at a time by myself using high quality glass beads. While it is built to last, one must keep in mind that the beads are glass and therfore should be treated gently. When traveling with your beaded jewelry, try to pack it so that it is laying flat in your jewelry box with something soft like a wild rag or polishing cloth over the top of them so that they are protected in the case that other items shift. Keeping the box that I mailed them in can be a great way to ensure that they are always protected. This will prevent any of the earrings without a metal backing from wrinkling. In the case that your earrings do become wrinkled, you can straighten them out by steaming them! Run your steamer over them (set on low) and then lay them on a flat surface. Gently smooth them out with your fingers and leave them to sit for a few minutes, good as the day they were made!
When it comes to the beaded hoops, take care not to drop them on any hard surfaces or let any heavy cuffs or necklaces fall on the. Glass beads backed with sterling silver should be babied as much as possible as the beads lay on a hard surface. In the unfortunate case that you do break a bead, the whole strip can be replaced for a small repair fee. The above advice about packing your earrings with a soft cloth over them is wonderful for these as well! If your jewelry contains any stones or sterling, keep on reading down below to learn more about how to care for it.
Turquoise & Sterling Jewelry
Caring for your turquoise isn't as hard as some make it out to be, but there are a few rules that should be followed if you want your jewelry to keep looking its best! Firstly, avoid getting it wet. Remove your jewelry before washing your hands, showering, swimming, ranch chores, or any activity where it may come into contact with water. Chemicals like soaps, perfume, and even lotion have been known to discolor stones, and before I knew better I had it happen to me! You can use a bit of warm water and a few drops of dish soap every once in a while to clean your jewelry, but the best option is to use a polishing cloth like one of these Sunshine Cloths to shine up the high points. Steam and ultrasonic cleaners should never be used on pieces with any of the stofter stones under any circumstances. Keep in mind that many people prefer their turquoise jewelry to build up a natural patina and purposely choose not to polish it. As stated above, when traveling with your jewelry make sure that it is packed so that it doesn't shift.
If you have anymore questions about jewelry care, give me a holler and I'll be happy to answer anything you've got!