Joli Jewelry Care

Our exquisite collection of sterling silver jewelry is made with 0.925 sterling silver of 0.925 Argentium Sterling Silver. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Argentium Sterling Silver is a silver alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% germanium. The copper strengthen the silver alloy while maintaining its malleable properties and high precious metal content, while the germanium provides anti-tarnish and fireproof properties to the alloy. The malleability of Sterling Silver makes the alloy an easy metal to work with resulting in the beautiful and unique designs seen in our collection. Our gorgeous collection of Sterling Silver jewelry incorporates a variety of natural elements including sea shell (abalone shell, mother-of-pearl), crystals, freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones and beach glass.     

                                                         
Sterling Silver Care

Once you have purchased your stunning jewelry piece from Joli Designs by Jerainne you will no doubt want to maintain its original appearance and brilliance. Sterling silver when exposed to the elements over long periods of time will start to discolor or tarnish. Tarnishing is a natural process which results in the formation of silver sulfide on the surface of the metal. It is caused by the chemical attack of sulfur and sulfides on the surface of the silver. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue on sterling silver and progressively turns black with time. To reduce tarnish and keep your sterling silver jewelry looking like new we recommend that you store them in a jewelry box or bag, with an anti-tarnish strip (Joli Jewelry Care). For best results continuous wear and handling of your silver jewelry will slow the tarnishing process and keep your pieces looking shiny and beautiful. Â Â Â Â Â 

                                       
Using a professional jewelry polishing cloth is one of the best ways to clean your jewelry. The cloth is treated with cleaning chemicals, will last a long time and give you an amazing shine each time you use it. The polishing cloth can be purchased in the (Joli Jewelry Care) section. We do not recommend using silver dips or liquid cleaners in pieces that incorporate natural shells, mother of pearl and coated crystals. Since these can be easily damaged by the harsh chemicals.    

                                                                                        
Pearl Care  

                                                                              
Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to pH variations and extreme humidity attack. To preserve your pearls’ radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair sprays, or perfumes. Always put on your jewelry after applying make-up and styling hair. A pearls’ luster can also be compromised by perspiration. To prevent this, wipe them gently with a soft cloth (Joli Jewelry Care) before returning your pearl jewelry to storage in a jewelry box or pouch. Pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant, but may be scratched by contact with sharp objects or other gemstones. To prevent tangles and scratches, fasten clasps and pins, then lay each item out separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box. When traveling with pearl jewelry, use a protective jewelry pouch. Leaving pearl jewelry in a security box for long periods of time may cause pearls to dehydrate, so wear them frequently for constant hydration.

Swarovski Crystal

No other crystal dazzles and sparkles as brightly as Swarovski crystals. They are made with 32 percent lead, which qualifies them as being full lead crystals. Swarovski crystals are expertly cut and painted with a special metallic coating that allows more light refraction, giving the crystals their trademark sparkling properties. Swarovski crystals are delicate and thus should be handled with special care. To ensure that your Swarovski crystal jewelry remains beautiful over time put on jewelry last when dressing, and take them off first when undressing. Avoid contact with water and knocking against objects which could cause scratches, chips and other damage. Remove jewelry before washing hands, swimming or applying body care products such as perfume, hairspray, soaps and lotions as this could harm the coating and cause discoloration and loss of crystal brilliance.  Polish jewelry frequently with a soft cloth to maintain its original, lustrous finish and always store jewelry in a soft pouch or cloth (Joli Jewelry Care) to avoid scratching and damage.  These crystals are made with lead and should be kept out of reach of children.                                                                                               

Abalone Shells

Abalone shells have been coveted for centuries for their iridescent glimmer and natural decorative patterns. Early civilizations all around the world have showcased the Abalone shell for its ornate beauty. Commonly called the ear-shell, abalone shells exist in a hundred different varieties from the mollusk family that includes clams, oysters and mussels. It is believed that abalone shell aids in creativity and strengthens the heart by cleansing fear, sorrow and negative energies.     

                                     
Abalone shells are relatively soft and should be protected from scratches and hard bumps. Abalone jewelry should be clean with warm water when needed. Store your abalone shell jewelry out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Sea Shells and Mother of Pearl

Nacre also known as mother of pearl is an organic composite material produced by mollusks as an inner shell layer. It is also the primary composite material in pearls. It is very strong, resilient, and iridescent and used widely to make jewelry, buttons and other decorative household items. Sea shells are sourced from a variety of mollusks, snails and clams. They are less robust than most gemstones and therefore should be handled with care.

To maintain the natural beauty of your mother of pearl and shell jewelry regularly wipe the shell with a soft 100% cotton cloth. This will help to keep it free from dust and dirt that may dull the shine of the shell. Avoid the contact of hairsprays or perfumes on the shell portion as this may cause discoloration and damage to your jewelry. Also please avoid wearing your shell and mother pear based jewelry in mineral spas as this may also cause discoloration and damage.                                                      
Store handcrafted shell pieces correctly to minimize tarnish and scratches. Keep your individual pieces in a small air-tight protective bag, pouches of soft cloth (Joli Jewelry Care) to prevent scratches and scuffs.

Never dip shell jewelry in 'dip' solutions or commercial cleaning solutions for sterling silver. The chemical dip contains acids that may cause damage to the shell/mother of pearl inlay.

Beach Glass Care

Beach glass jewelry is a wonderful addition to your jewelry collection. Its unique design guarantees a one of a kind piece of jewelry and its flexibility allows for endless wears. Collected from the shores of Lake Erie, the Beach glass incorporated in each piece is richly filled with history. Beach glass jewelry makes a wonderful conversion piece. However they can get dirty by layers of dust and grime. Cleaning your beach glass jewelry regularly will help to retain its original sparkle and brilliance.

Beach glass jewelry can be cleaned using a mild detergent and a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and towel dry. Since each beach glass containing jewelry also includes sterling silver extreme care should be taken when cleaning. Be aware that beach glass jewelry is made from glass, therefore dropping or hitting it on hard surfaces may result in breakage. Always apply lotions, hairspray, and perfumes prior to putting your jewelry on. Remove jewelry at bedtime to eliminate the risk of kinking chains and snagging earrings and bracelets.

 

Semi-Precious Gemstones

A gemstone (also called a semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral, which in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry.  Most gemstones are hard however some softer minerals are used in jewelry pieces because of their luster or other physical properties.

The strength and durability of a gemstone is dependent upon its structure. Some stones are quite fragile and can crack or chip easily. Others however have fracture lines that are inherent in the structure and as a result must be handled with extreme care when wearing and storing. Be mindful not to drop or knock jewelry pieces on hard surfaces since this could result in breakage or chips of your handcrafted jewelry pieces.

To clean your gemstones use a very small amount of mild, lukewarm, soapy water. After cleaning polish your gemstones based jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth (Joli Jewelry Care).

 For more information about the natural elements incorporated in Joli Designs handcrafted jewelry piece and care, please contact us at customercare@jolidesigns.com