Caring for your jewelry
To help keep your handmade wire wrapped pendant looking brand new as long as possible, it has been brushed with a protective metal coating called ProtectaClear. It is a waterproof, sweat proof coating used by many jewelers to prevent metals from oxidizing or tarnishing. An added bonus of this method is that it prevents people with sensitive skin from having allergic reactions to their jewelry. With regular wear, this coating should begin to wear off in about 6 months. ProtectaClear is inexpensive and available to the public if you would like to re-coat your jewelry on your own. (More information about the coating that I use can be found at www.everbritecoatings.com/jewelry.) Jewelers wax is also an effective option for preventing tarnish. You can still wear your jewelry without any protective coating, but be aware that some metals such as bare copper will turn some people's skin green. (This is a natural reaction & is not dangerous or cause for any concern. Should your skin turn green from exposure to copper, you can wash the effected area with soap & water to remove the discoloration.) If you choose to wear bare copper, there are other easy ways to prevent or remove the tarnish that naturally occurs.
Keep your copper jewelry clean by occasionally washing it with lukewarm, soapy water. Then, dry and polish with a soft cloth. You can also use a soft cloth to gently polish your jewelry using a polish. If your copper should tarnish, as copper naturally does, you can clean your jewelry using one of the following methods to restore its original shine:
Use table salt and vinegar - pour salt and vinegar over your jewelry and gently rub into the jewelry until any grime or tarnishing is removed. Rinse with water and polish with a soft, dry cloth.
Use salt and lemon - pour salt on half of a lemon and rub over jewelry, or pour salt and squeezed lemon juice onto jewelry and gently rub in. Rinse with water and polish with a soft, dry cloth.
Remember that exposure to air, heat, sunlight, & chlorine will cause metals such as copper & silver to tarnish faster. People who live in coastal regions are likely to experience more tarnish. Keep your jewelry in a plastic bag in a cool dark place when not in use to prevent tarnishing. Regular care as described above will allow you to keep wearing your jewelry for decades!