Jewelry care

At Gaspard Mureau, our jewelry is designed to accompany you through all of life's moments—both big and small. While it's natural for silver jewelry to show signs of wear over time, such as scratches or tarnish, proper care can keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come. Here are our tips for maintaining and cleaning your silver jewelry.

Daily Care Tips

  • Avoid Scratches: Contact with harder materials can scratch silver. Try to avoid your jewelry coming into contact with metals, stones, sand, or hard plastics.
  • Prevent Exposure: Remove your jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to chemicals or physical damage. This includes exercising, swimming, going to saunas, lifting weights, or cleaning.
  • Proper Storage: Store your silver pieces in a soft fabric bag or a sturdy jewelry box in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent oxidation and scratching.

Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry at Home

Follow these simple steps to keep your silver sparkling:

  1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
    • Mix liquid soap with 3-4 drops of 3% ammonia solution (available at pharmacies) and some warm water.
  2. Soak:
    • Let your jewelry sit in the solution for about 5 minutes.
  3. Gentle Scrub:
    • Using a soft brush or a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the jewelry, focusing on areas under any gemstones.
  4. Rinse and Dry:
    • Rinse the jewelry under clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid using paper as it can scratch the surface.

Special Considerations

  • Sterling Silver:
    • Use a polishing cloth for routine maintenance. For heavier tarnish, moisten the cloth with a silver cleaning solution. Be careful not to soak the jewelry, especially if it includes delicate materials like pearls or gemstones.
  • Rhodium Plating:
    • Rhodium plating on silver helps prevent oxidation. Over time, this plating may wear off, exposing the silver underneath to natural tarnishing. Re-plating can be done professionally if necessary.
  • Gold-Plated Silver:
    • The gold layer on vermeil (gold-plated silver) can wear down, revealing the silver beneath. The longevity of the plating depends on wear patterns and care.

Caring for Gemstones and Pearls

  • Handling: Natural gemstones and pearls can be delicate. Avoid shocks or harsh handling that might cause chipping or breakage.
  • Cleaning: Use only mild soap and water for cleaning gemstones and pearls. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Earrings Care

  • Nightly Routine: Remove earrings before sleeping to prevent damage to the earlobes.
  • Hygiene: Clean earring fastenings occasionally with alcohol wipes to maintain hygiene and prevent irritation.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your jewelry remains a beautiful and lasting part of your life's journey. If you ever have concerns about cleaning or maintaining your pieces, feel free to contact us for advice or professional services.