Jewelry Care
Dust, pollution, cosmetics and perfumes all conspire to cloud the brilliance of a gemstone and dull the surface of gold, sterling silver and oxidized sterling silver. We suggest that you take the time to properly store and care for your BANDE DES QUATRES jewelry. We recommend applying perfume or other sprayed substances before putting on your jewelry. Jewelry should always be removed prior to showering.
We recommend that you store your BANDE DES QUATRES jewelry in the special pouch provided with your order. Proper storage helps to prevent scratching of metal, oxidation and stones. It is best to keep jewelry away from extreme heat or moisture. Be careful not to place heavy objects on top of your jewelry during storage and to be gentle when putting on or removing your jewelry.
Caring for Sterling Silver and Oxidized Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling and oxidized silver will tarnish naturally over time but can be cleaned very easily. Be sure to clean the silver only and avoid contact with any stones, as the cleaning product may cause damage to these stones.
Be particularly careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your silver jewelry. Avoid wearing silver jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub. Tarnish is also accelerated in a humid environment. Oily salts from fingers can also tarnish silver.
You can remove light tarnish by using TARN-X, which can be obtained at Home Depot. Dip a soft tooth brush and/or Q-tip into the solution and wipe across the silver surface then rinse and wash with soapy water and dry completely with a blow dryer to remove any excess water. Sterling silver jewelry can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Be sure not to apply any cleaning product on any of the oxidized sterling silver surfaces and all gemstones.
Caring for 18kt Gold Jewelry
The same process can be applied to gold jewelry. Again, keep the cleaning product away from all gemstones.
Caring for Oxidized Sterling Silver Jewelry
The black color of oxidized sterling silver is a special treatment that is achieved with careful attention in our Montreal studio. With time and with wear, the color of the oxidized sterling silver may scratch and lighten—this is a natural and organic occurrence. If you attempt to clean oxidized sterling silver with a cloth or chemicals, it may strip off the oxidized finish. Please DO NOT attempt to clean oxidized sterling silver jewelry.
