Jewelry Care

Tarnish is a natural reaction when your silver jewelry is exposed to moisture and air (oxidization). All precious metals tarnish at varying rates. The key is to not wear your jewelry in water (chlorinated pools, hot springs, or the shower) and to store your pieces out of moisture rich environments. Ideally in a sealed bag, in a jewelry box, not in the bathroom. Abrasive cleaning solutions can also dull your jewelry, please remove your pieces before cleaning with chemicals, or food prep.

The oils on your skin/body slow the tarnishing process, so adorn yourself often. If you live in a rainforest, like I do, you can store your jewelry with a humidity absorbing packet or strip. One is included with your jewelry in the box you receive it in. They are readily available online for purchase. Search 3M anti tarnish tab for replacements. I keep my jewelry in a sealed bag, within my jewelry box for extra protection.

For that added shine one can purchase a polishing cloth. Lightly rub the cloth over surfaces you wish to appear brighter. Most of my work comes with "patina". This is a chemical reaction I add to the silver by using sulphur to give depth, and add "age". It is a technique I use often and adore. Note that over use of the polishing cloth can remove this subtle detail. Go easy.

Many of the stones I use are low on the mohs hardness scale. These are, more often than not, the ones I'm most drawn to. Turquoise and variscite are precious gems, but they are porous. I only use natural untreated stones, this means that extra care will need to be given when wearing them. The stones may subtly change colour over time.

All Memora Monto pieces are coated with a museum grade wax. This will help slow the tarnishing process, and will add a protective layer, but it still wont stop the natural tarnishing process.