Jewelry Care
Our brand aims to provide the most durable and reliable jewelry. Our jewelry consists of mostly stainless steel but we also work with alloy metal and 18k gold plated brass. Below is information on how to care for each metal.
ALLOY METALS
Alloy metals are the most inexpensive and least durable metals for jewelry. Even with proper care, they will tarnish over time and will eventually need to be thrown away. We recognize that alloy metals are not sustainable and we try to limit how often we use these metals. The only time you will really see Muses Jewelry working with alloy metals is when we are upcycling jewelry. We think that working with what we already have and enhancing it is still consumption conscious than buying something new.
The best way to wear alloys are to avoid exposing them to any water or moisture and to not wear the jewelry for a long amount of time. These pieces are best worn only for a couple of hours and not exposed to any moisture or oils
18K GOLD PLATED BRASS
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is a type of steel alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which creates a protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer makes stainless steel resistant to tarnish and rust, giving it a long-lasting, shiny appearance.
Stainless steel is durable, versatile, generally hypoallergenic, corrosion resistant, environmentally friendly, and easy to maintain clean.
HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY:
Cleaning stainless steel jewelry is an easy process that does not require many materials. For a quick clean, water is sufficient and soap added if necessary. For a deeper clean, follow the steps below:
Materials Needed:
- Mild Soap or Dish Detergent
- Warm Water
- Soft Cloth or Sponge
- Toothbrush or Soft Bristle Brush
- Baking Soda (optional)
Steps:
- Prepare a Soapy Solution: Mix a few drops of mild soap or dish detergent with warm water in a bowl. Ensure that the soap is gentle and doesn't contain harsh chemicals.
- Soak the Jewelry: Submerge the stainless steel jewelry in the soapy water solution. Allow it to soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt, oils, or residues.
- Clean with a Soft Cloth or Sponge: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe the jewelry, paying attention to any intricate or textured areas. For stubborn dirt, you can rub a little harder, but avoid using abrasive materials that might scratch the stainless steel.
- Detail with a Toothbrush: For more intricate designs or areas that are hard to reach with a cloth, you can use a soft toothbrush or a small, soft bristle brush. Brush gently to remove any remaining debris.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm running water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry with a Soft Cloth: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, clean cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials for drying, as they can scratch the surface.
- Optional: Baking Soda Paste: If there are stubborn stains or tarnish, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the jewelry, gently rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and then rinse and dry as usual.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or strong acids, as they can damage the stainless steel.
- Regular Cleaning: Perform regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt and oils, especially if you wear your stainless steel jewelry frequently.
- Storage: Store your stainless steel jewelry in a dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight, to prevent tarnishing.