Is is Spring yet?  I know rain showers bring Spring flowers, but I’m ready for some warmer weather so I can bust out my new platform sandals.

 

To celebrate the coming of Spring this month, AVF Jewelry is having our first Spring giveaway.

 

We will be giving away a pair of our Diamond Droplet earrings in sterling silver to one lucky winner.  To enter the contest simply become a fan of Alicia Van Fleteren on Facebook.  If you’re already a fan, then you’re already entered into the contest.

 

Contest closes Wednesday, March 24th, 11:59 PM PST.  We’ll announce the lucky winner on Thursday, March 25th via Facebook.

 

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People ask me all the time how to clean their AVF jewelry.  Here’s a little crash course in how to care for your treasures so they will last for years to come.

 

STERLING SILVER - Sterling silver can be polished by rubbing or buffing it with a dry silver polishing cloth.  I personally like Connoisseur’s Dry Jewelry wipes.  I’ve found them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond or online.  Be sure to only clean the silver with the polishing cloth and avoid contact with gemstones and pearls, as this may cause damage to the stones.  It’s not a good idea to use of powders, dips, creams, or lotions - they can be very messy and it’s difficult to control where these types of cleaners go.  Silver shouldn’t be worn in pools because the chlorine can cause pitting.  Pitting is the erosion or formation of little holes that results from silver touching the chlorine.

 

GOLD VERMEIL - Gold vermeil requires special care.  It can be buffed very gently with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloth.  Never use chemical cleaners on gold vermeil jewelry, it can strip the finish.  Remove jewelry before applying perfume or lotion, bathing, or entering a pool or hot tub.  Chlorine can permanently damage or discolor gold vermeil.  It is natural for gold vermeil to tarnish with time. This will add to the character and charm of your jewelry.

 

GEMSTONES & PEARLS - Many gemstones and pearls are delicate.  Hot water, harsh chemicals and cleaners should be avoided at all times.  Porous stones, such as pearls, should be cleaned using an untreated, dry, soft cloth.  Gemstones can be lightly cleansed in your hand in an easy to make solution of dish soap.  (Add two cups of warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid like “Joy.”  Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush.  Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.)  This process is not recommended for gemstones knotted on silk or cotton cord.  Use a soft cotton cloth for jewelry knotted on silk or cotton cord.

 

GOLD FILLED BEADS - Gold filled beads and findings can be cleaned with mildly sudsy water.  Rinse well and pat dry with a non-scratching cloth. It is important that you keep this metal away from chemicals, as it might strip the finish.

 

In general, I do not recommend that you swim or shower in your jewels.  Also remember to apply perfume, lotion, or hairspray before you put on your pieces.  

 

Wear your jewelry.  Jewelry should be worn frequently for greater luster.  This is especially true for pearls.  They get a nice shine the more they are worn because they absorb the skin’s natural oils.  

 

How often you choose to clean your jewelry is up to you, but if handle your jewelry with love and care, your pieces will return it ten-fold.