Our Customer’s Story: The Case of the Tarnished Rings
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One of our lovely customers recently contacted us in a panic. She had accidentally exposed her sterling silver text plaque rings to bleach while cleaning, and they turned completely black. Understandably worried, she reached out to us asking what to do. Since we use solid metals, we assured her that all was not lost!
We had her ship the rings back to us, and we began the process of restoring them to their former glory. The oxidation was quite severe, so we needed more than a polishing cloth this time. Using a powerful buffing technique, we gradually removed the tarnish and brought the rings back to a high polish. The results were stunning, and the rings looked as shiny as they did the day they left our studio.
Below are some photos of the process, including how the rings looked when they arrived, during buffing, and the final, polished result:
How to Care for Your House of Metalworks Jewelry
We use solid metals like sterling silver, gold-filled, aluminum, and stainless steel in our pieces—each requiring its own unique care. Here’s how to keep your jewelry looking just as good as the day you received it:
Sterling Silver ♻️
Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to air, moisture, sunlight, and salt water. However, regular wear often keeps it shiny, as your skin's natural oils help prevent tarnish. Here’s how to care for it:
- Daily Care: Store your sterling silver in an airtight container when not wearing it to minimize exposure to air.
- Tarnish Prevention: Use tarnish-preventing products, like anti-tarnish strips, in your storage box.
- Restoring Shine: Use a polishing cloth to remove minor tarnish. For heavier tarnish, use silver polish paste.
- What to Avoid: Bleach and harsh chemicals! As our customer’s story shows, these can cause extreme tarnishing.
Gold Filled & Rose Gold Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is made to last. While it doesn’t tarnish easily, it benefits from occasional care to maintain its luster:
- Daily Care: Clean gently with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils.
- Restoring Shine: Polishing with a jewelry cloth will maintain its gleam.
- What to Avoid: Harsh chemicals, including chlorine and bleach, which can dull the finish.
Brass & Bronze
Brass and bronze can develop a patina over time, which many people love for its rustic look. However, if you prefer the original shine:
- Daily Care: Wipe down after wearing, especially in warm weather, to reduce greenish tints on the skin.
- Restoring Shine: Use a polishing cloth to remove patina and bring back the metal’s brightness.
- What to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to moisture, as this can speed up tarnishing.
Aluminum ♻️
Aluminum is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and highly resistant to tarnish. Here’s how to care for it:
- Daily Care: Wash with mild soap and water to clean.
- Restoring Shine: A quick polish with a cloth will bring back its natural glow.
- What to Avoid: While durable, avoid abrasives that could scratch the surface.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is virtually maintenance-free, making it perfect for everyday wear:
- Daily Care: Simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- Restoring Shine: If needed, polish with a stainless steel jewelry cloth to remove fingerprints or smudges.
- What to Avoid: Although it’s highly durable, avoid harsh chemicals to preserve its shine.
Final Tips for All Jewelry
- Store Properly: Always store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to prevent tarnishing.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine, and even some beauty products, which can dull the finish or cause tarnishing.
- Wear It Often: The best way to keep your jewelry looking its best? Wear it! The oils from your skin naturally keep metals like sterling silver looking shiny and new.
At House of Metalworks, we’re here to help you care for your jewelry. If your pieces ever need more intensive care—like our customer’s rings did—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help restore your jewelry to its original beauty!