jewelry care

minerva offers handmade jewelry created from bronze, sterling silver and 10k, 14k and 18k gold. While metal is durable, it is not indestructible. As such, it is important to handle the jewelry with care to maintain its beauty and longevity. Here are some jewelry care tips to help you care for your jewelry.

Store Jewelry Properly

Jewelry should be stored in a dry environment or in a plastic bag to prevent oxidation and tarnish.Bronze, and silver may develop a patina over time, which adds to the unique character of the jewelry. However, if you wish to remove the patina, you can clean it with a jewelry polishing cloth. The Sunshine polishing cloth included with your purchase is recommended for this purpose.

Cleaning and Polishing

For ultra-brightening on bronze, drop it in white vinegar for 30 seconds to remove oxidation, rinse with fresh water, and then dry and polish it with the Sunshine cloth. Be careful to avoid stones or gold plated items when using this method. minerva provides a small sample of the yellow Sunshine Polishing cloth with each order. Silver and gold jewelry can be cleaned with soap and water and a swipe of a polishing cloth will restore luster.

Minimize Discoloration

Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc, free of lead and nickel. Some people may experience discoloration on their skin from brass due to the copper mixing with their oils and ph levels or because their body is deficient in copper. This reaction is harmless and will wash off. To minimize the discoloration, you can periodically paint the inside of your brass ring with clear nail polish or lacquer like Eternal Jewelry Coating, avoid mixing with moisture and sweat and take it off before going to bed or applying moisturizer. 

Repairs and Polishing

minerva offers free repairs on jewelry purchased within 6 months. After that, a small fee may be charged. You can also send back any jewelry for cleaning and/or polishing for a $15 charge. 

Proper care and maintenance of your jewelry can help it last for many years. By following these jewelry care instructions, you can keep your jewelry looking its best and maintain its unique character.