How do I properly clean Freshwater Pearl Jewelry?

Freshwater Pearls are prized for their individuality. Each pearl is unlike any other, unique in its own shape. At Penny Pairs, we make efforts to ensure our pearls are ethically farmed. 

Step 1: Grab some lint-free cloths or microfiber towels. Take a bowl of room temperature water and mix in a mild cleaning solution (no polishes or abrasive chemicals). 

Step 2: Dip the cloth in the mixture and gently use it to clean the pearls.

Step 3: Wet the cloth with water and rinse the cleaning solution off the pearls.

Step 4: Use some fresh cloth to dry the pearls off, still wiping as soft as possible across the entire surface.

How do I care for 925 Silver Jewelry?

925 Silver is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This world standard of Sterling Silver is more resistant to wear and tear than other values.

Step 1: Regularly clean your piece by polishing it with a jewelry cloth. To avoid making scratches worse, rub the jewelry in linear motions instead of circular motions.

Step 2: Use a moist cloth to get a deeper clean. Avoid using soap or cleaning polish, these are known to degrade the silver layer.

Step 3: Always dry your silver. Make sure no moisture is left on the jewelry.

How do I maintain 18K Gold Vermeil Jewelry?

Vermeil jewelry is strictly composed of a silver core metal plus a measured gold layer. In our own 18K Gold Vermeil, we layer a thick coating of gold all over a 925 Silver core. 

Step 1: Fill a bowl of room temperature water and add some mild soap if needed. Make use of a lint-free cloth instead of dipping or soaking the jewelry. 

Step 2: Lightly wipe the gold with wet cloth, careful not to irritate the sensitive layer.

Step 3: If using soap, rinse the gold with a cloth wet only with water before drying it off.

Step 4: Wipe off the water with a dry cloth. Double check to make sure that the gold is completely dry.

Jewelry Do's and Dont's

General

• Keep your pieces in a dry place, away from humidity
• Don’t apply make up, perfume or lotion while wearing jewelry as the chemicals might react with the material
• Don’t store products together so that they don’t scratch each other

Freshwater Pearls

• Never soak pearls in water or leave them wet 
• Don’t clean them too often - every 3 to 4 months is enough
• Avoid using airtight containers because dry pearls will fade yellow

925 Silver

• Don’t go against the grain when wiping - follow the contour of the jewelry
• Silver is sensitive to chemicals so avoid contact with cleaning products and make-up/perfume
• Use a cotton bud to clean out any crevices if the piece is intricately detailed

18K Gold Vermeil

• Avoid using a jewelry brush since it can rub off the layer of gold
• Separate your 18K Gold Vermeil from the other jewelry because it is sensitive to scratches
• To avoid discoloring, wrap your pieces in a soft cloth and don’t wear them while exercising or showering