Jewelry Care Guide

All of my pieces are made to be worn, not stored. Daily wear is fine. A few things to avoid:

Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or sleeping. Chlorine, salt water, and prolonged hot water exposure can affect metals and pearls. Avoid contact with perfume, lotion, and hairspray — put jewelry on last.

Store pieces individually to prevent scratching. A soft cloth pouch or the box your piece arrived in works well.

Most of my work is made with Argentium silver. It's brighter and whiter than traditional sterling, and far more tarnish resistant. You'll spend less time polishing and more time wearing it.

How to clean: Wash with cool water and mild soap. I use Dawn dishwashing liquid. Gently clean with your fingers, rinse with cool water, dry with a soft cotton cloth or let it air dry.

Avoid: Polishing cloths on stitched surfaces. They can flatten or alter the texture of the stitching. If your piece has oxidized (darkened) areas, polishing cloths will remove the intentional patina.

Some pieces are intentionally darkened to create contrast between silver, gold, and shadow. The oxidized finish is part of the design.

How to clean: Cool soapy water only. Gently wash and dry completely to avoid water spots.

Avoid: Brushes, polishing cloths, and silver dips. These will strip the darkened finish. Over time, high-wear areas may lighten naturally. That's normal and adds character.

The gold stitching and gold-bonded surfaces on my pieces are 22k gold wire or Keum-boo (24k gold bonded to silver). This is not plating. The gold layer is bonded at the molecular level and will not wear away with normal use.

How to clean: Cool water and mild soap. Dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid: Polishing cloths on gold surfaces. The gold is meant to develop a subtle warmth over time, not stay mirror-bright.

Pearls are organic. Each one is slightly different in shape, color, and luster. That's the point.

How to clean: Wash with soap and water. Dawn dishwashing liquid works well. Dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid: Chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam. Pearls are soft compared to metals. They can scratch, so store them separately. Over time, body oils give pearls a warmer glow. Wearing them is the best thing you can do for them.

Hold the necklace in front of you before putting it on, so it lays correctly around your neck. Store it fastened with the clasp closed to prevent tangling. If strands do tangle, lay the necklace flat and gently separate them. Don't pull.

I clean Suzanne Schwartz Jewelry pieces free of charge. Bring them to any of my shows, or mail them to the studio. If you have questions about care or maintenance, email me at info@suzanneschwartzjewelry.com.

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