jewelry care + cleaning

Maddalena Bearzi one of a kind organic jewelry is made from different metals and materials. Here are specific instructions on how to best care for your piece to ensure it provides a lifetime of wearable enjoyment:

fine & sterling silver

Silver tarnishes over time but when worn regularly, usually tends to keep its brightness. To get rid of tarnish on your piece, use a simple silver jewelry polishing cloth. If the piece has a stone, be careful not to touch it with the polisher.

brass, bronze & copper

Some pieces are made from raw brass, copper and bronze - or a combination of the three. A skin-friendly lacquer is usually applied to protect them. When left in their raw state, these metals have the tendency to naturally patina and age over time. These changes in color are stunning, giving each piece  a uniquely special character. If you would like to maintain it in its original state, keep your piece bone dry and store it in an airtight container with a desiccant packet. For brass and bronze, you can use a gentle brass/bronze/copper cleanser, or polish by hand when needed.

gold

Gold will not patina or change over time, but is a relatively soft metal so care should always be taken with any gold jewelry. The higher the carat weight, the softer the metal is (14k is more scratch-resistant than 24k). Gold should be cleaned regularly in order to maintain its beauty. A soft, lint-free polishing cloth is an effective way to keep it looking its best.

14k gold fill

Some ear wires and other small components can be made of 14k gold fill soldered with 14k gold. Gold fill is made from solid gold “filled” with other alloys. Since the finish and surface of gold fill has the same properties of solid gold, care for these pieces just as you would a gold piece of jewelry. Gently polish by hand with a clean cloth. 

oxidized jewelry

For oxidized pieces, wear as normal and allow the patina process to continue. It’s better to always keep them dry to maintain the dark, oxidized color. If you’d rather have less oxidization, just run the piece under water and rub away the “patina” with a polishing cloth.

Be careful: using a polish or cleanser can remove the patina entirely and bring it back to its original bright brass, copper, bronze or silver state. Black oxidation tends to wear away and become lighter with time and continuous wear. 

textile jewelry

This jewelry can be gently washed by hand with a mild detergent. When you are done washing the piece, be sure to carefully dry all the metal parts and let the textiles dry naturally.

general tips

• store pieces in a jewelry box and optimally, in individual bags/tissues to prevent oxidation and scratches
• keep jewelry bone dry with a desiccant packet
• do not store jewelry in the bathroom, as moisture can negatively affect the piece over time
• remember to fasten your necklaces and bracelets when storing to prevent them from getting tangled or knotted
• remove jewelry when coming in contact with any cleaning products, chlorine and bleach. Avoid direct contact with water when possible
• apply lotion, cosmetics, hairspray and perfume before wearing jewelry
• avoid wearing jewelry when doing physical work such as housekeeping, gardening or exercise