JEWELRY CARE (silver, oxidized silver, gold-plated silver)
How to use silver jewelry (oxidized silver, gold-plated silver) to make it serve me as long as possible?
When using jewelry (including oxidized or gold-plated jewelry), try to avoid contact with chemicals: jewelry is sensitive to chemicals, such as detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents. While using creams, lotions, perfumes, apply them to your skin before putting on jewelry, then wait a moment for the cosmetics to be absorbed.
Remove jewelry before engaging in physical activity where jewelry could be damaged. Cleaning, working in the garden or playing sports in jewelry are associated with the risk of damaging and scratching the item.
Take off your jewelry to sleep, bathe or while in a sauna.
How to store jewelry?
Store your jewelry in a proper manner: separate from other items to avoid scratches. You can use a specially dedicated packaging in which you bought your jewelry, or a cotton bag in which you can put your jewelry, protecting it from sunlight and dust.
How to clean silver jewelry?
To remove everyday dirt and tarnish, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing too hard so as not to scratch the surface of the silver. Special jewelry cleaners are available in stores with jewelry accessories, e.g. reusable wipes. If you are concerned about cleaning your jewelry yourself, you can use the services of a local jeweler, or as part of the purchase, use the free jewelry cleaning service provided in my studio. Details about the service can be found here.
How to clean oxidized/gold-plated jewelry?
Remember that oxidized silver should not be cleaned with traditional silver polishes as they can remove the oxidative coating. Instead, to clean oxidized jewelry, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. If the jewelry requires a deeper cleaning, it is recommended to use the services of a professional jeweler. In my studio, I offer free cleaning of jewelry purchased at www.monikaskomra.com, more information about the service can be found here.
Is oxidized silver allergic?
Oxide, which is used to coat silver jewelry, is usually safe for most people and should not cause allergies. However, allergic reactions may occur in some cases, especially if the user has sensitive skin or is allergic to silver or other ingredients used in the oxidation process.
If you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you may experience certain skin reactions such as redness, itching, rash or irritation. In this case, it is recommended to stop wearing oxidized jewelry and consult a dermatologist.
Is silver oxidation permanent?
With time and use of jewelry, the oxidation coating can wear off and gradually fade. This is a completely natural process. In this case, re-oxidation can be considered, this process should be performed by a jeweler who will be able to apply a new oxidation layer and restore the jewelry to its original appearance. If you are interested in re-oxidizing jewelry purchased in my store, please contact me: contact@monikaskomra.com. As part of the purchase, I offer free oxidation of jewelry, details of the service can be found here.
What is gold plating?
The jewelry gold plating process involves applying a thin layer of gold to the surface of silver jewelry.
How permanent is the process?
The durability of gold plating on jewelry depends on the thickness of the gold layer, the method of application and the way the jewelry is used. Gold is a soft metal, so the gold plating layer can wear off naturally and fade with daily use. How long the gold-plating effect lasts on jewelry depends on how often it is worn, exposure to chemicals, friction, and other factors. In some cases, the durability of gilding can be several years, while in others it can be much shorter.
How to care for gold-plated jewelry?
As in the case of silver or oxidized silver jewelry, remember about a few important issues: avoid contact of jewelry with chemicals such as detergents, cosmetics, perfumes. Store jewelry separately, in dedicated packaging. Always remove jewelry when doing physical activities (e.g. cleaning, playing sports, bathing).
Over time, the gilding layer may wear off or fade. In this case, it is possible to re-gold the jewelry. You can do this by giving the item to a jeweler who will help restore your jewelry to its former glory. I also invite you to contact me directly at: contact@monikaskomra.com, at the customer’s request, I carry out the gilding process of jewelry purchased in my store. Details about the service can be found here.
