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FAQ's
What is the best way to care for my silver and stone jewelry? TOP
Clean your sterling silver jewelry with a soft 100% cotton cloth. A good product to try is a Sunshine Polishing Cloth. These are easy to use cloths that have been impregnated with special chemical cleansing compounds and non-scratching micro-abrasives. A Sunshine Cloth can be used to clean tarnish from sterling silver, gold, brass, and copper leaving a deep, long-lasting luster. Also great for polishing out surface scratches and marks. Great for those quick touch ups and to keep tarnish from building.
Do not use a polishing cloth on your gemstones, it will cause the finish of the stones to become dull.
Some detergents, lotions, strong chemicals, body perspiration, make-up, and hair spray can slowly erode the finish off your gemstones and cause your stones to become dull. Keep your sterling silver and precious gemstones away from chlorine bleach and all household cleaners. These products will cause damage to the silver and stones. I recommend you always remove your jewelry before swimming and washing dishes. What causes my silver jewelry to tarnish? TOP
Storing your sterling silver jewelry in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly. This is a normal process that is caused by oxidization and moisture from the air. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue on your sterling silver then quickly turns to black. To reduce tarnish and keep your pieces tarnish free for months at a time, I recommend you store your jewelry pieces when not wearing them. A zip-lock baggie is perfect for storing your silver pieces, and I store and ship my jewelry in small baggies that are perfect for this. If you wear your sterling silver jewelry regularly, your body oils will actually help to keep the tarnishing down and cleaning to a minimum!
What is Hill Tribe Silver? TOP
Hill Tribe Silver beads and pendants are crafted by the Karen Hill Tribe people in northern Thailand. The silver content in Hill Tribe silver beads and pendants is typically 95-99%, even higher than sterling silver which is 92.5%. This higher silver content is softer and therefore easier to shape into unique and wonderful styles. Upon close inspection you will notice that no two pieces are exactly alike, attesting to the handmade nature of these beautiful pieces. Each silver bead and pendant is a unique masterpiece that represents Karen Hill Tribe culture and art. The Karen people often engrave their creations with plant, animal or geometric designs, symbolizing their direct connection to their land and water.
In the 1960's, efforts were made by the King of Thailand to help the Karen people develop an alternative to growing their traditional cash crop - opium. The goal was to provide a stable economy for the Karen people, an economy based on beauty instead of illicit drug crops. Silver experts were dispatched to the villages to impart their knowledge of silver-smithing to the farmers of the Karen Hill Tribes. The first generation of Karen silversmiths was taught to carefully handcraft each design from scratch using high-quality silver, and these original designs are now passed down from generation to generation. By purchasing Karen Hill Tribe silver products, you and I both are helping to sustain a traditional craft and provide the Karen people with a reliable source of income. What are Swarovski Crystals? TOP
Swarovski Crystals are high-quality, machine cut crystals from Austria. These crystals are available in endless shapes, sizes, colors and finishes. What is Bali Silver? TOP
Bali silver beads are individually handcrafted by skilled Balinese silversmiths in Indonesia. Created with 92.5% sterling silver, each bead is outstanding in quality and detail. Every silver dot is individually placed, every surface patterned by hand. Each bead is a work of art, no two are exactly alike. What are Czech Fire-Polished Glass Beads? TOP
Czech fire-polished beads are machine faceted, then polished by glazing inside a red-hot oven. This gives the beads beautiful, glistening colors with a "softer" look and a smoother feel than machine-polished Austrian Swarovski crystal beads. What is "Vintaj" Brass? TOP
Vintaj Brass products are 100% Natural Brass and are nickle-free. Rich, distinctive color, intricate detail, fine lined etching, and bold raised design are just a few qualities of these findings. Each finding has it's own rich unique color and luster, and wears gracefully through time. Jewelry pieces created with Vintaj Brass findings are hardy, durable and beautiful, making them timeless keepsakes. Each and every Vintaj Brass finding undergoes a meticulous, 7-step hand-embellishing process. Vintaj Brass does not need to be maintained, however, if desired, it can be cleaned with a mild soap and water.
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