Information on metals and other cleaning tips from Pandora, (pdf file) Metals&Cleaning
TARNISHING
Especially all sterling silver will tarnish over time. But it will happen much faster when it comes into contact with agents such as perfume, salty air, sulphur, skin creams, hairspray, chlorine and acidic skin ph. The amount of tarnishing (oxidization) that occurs is dependent on the skin and care habits of the wearer. Tarnishing is therefore not a manufacturing fault.
USING POLISHING CLOTHS
A jewellery polishing cloth may be useful, when you need to freshen up your PANDORA jewellery, as it can sparkle up a dull surface. But be extra gentle when polishing pieces with organic materials like wood, pearls and leather. Only polish the metal part with the cloth.
PANDORA has produced a jewellery polishing cloth. Learn more from your local PANDORA retailer.
CLEANING WITH SOAP AND WATER
If you wish to clean your PANDORA jewellery more thoroughly at home, add a drop of mild soap to lukewarm water and clean the jewellery with a soft toothbrush. The toothbrush is an excellent tool for jewellery with patterns, which may otherwise be difficult to clean. If a piece of jewellery is very dirty, leave it in lukewarm water with a drop of dishwasher detergent and let it soak for a few minutes.
Please observe that jewellery with leather, wood or pearls, Pandora Rose (see below) should not be cleaned using this method. These materials may never be soaked or rubbed.
CLEANING WITH CHEMICALS
You should never expose PANDORA jewellery to liquid silver cleaner or other harsh chemicals, not even chemicals meant for cleaning jewelry. Jewellery cleaning agents may alter the colour of the jewellery and damage the organic parts such as leather, wood or pearls, and Pandora Rose, Essence Collections.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING LEATHER
Use a very soft and dry cloth for cleaning your leather jewellery. Leather conditioner can be applied and will serve to protect the leather from spills or stains, and helps keep it soft and supple by restoring essential oils. Using professional leather conditioners is a great way to improve the overall lifespan of the leather, making it resistant to water and humidity.
Stains can be removed from the leather. They should be removed immediately before a substance has a chance to soak in or dry onto the material. The cleaning of leather should be done gently, by hand. It is recommended that you use a mild professional cleaner (without chemicals).
You can also clean leather with a mild soap such as soap flakes or a saddle soap. Create suds in a bowl and apply the suds to the leather surface with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not use the soapy water. The suds are safer to use as they reduce the risk of bleach type marks and streaks. Be careful to keep the cloth barely damp – not wet. Use a dry soft cloth to wipe up any remaining moisture and let it dry completely. Use the damp cloth on the entire piece to avoid areas, which will seem lighter after cleaning.
Do not try to dry the leather item near heat, as this will cause the leather to become brittle and possibly shrink. After the cleaning of the item is complete, rub a leather conditioner into the material.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING CAMEOS
Cameos are very resistant to chipping and will under normal circumstances not peel, crack, fade, or discolour with age.
For daily care, cameos should be dusted with a soft brush or a lint-free cloth. You may also rinse the cameo with lukewarm water, drying it afterward with a soft cotton cloth. Always clean the cameo gently and do not scrub it. Do not leave it to soak.
Cameos should be oiled at least once a year. It is recommended that one use mineral oil. Olive oil, if it is not completely removed, may turn a cameo yellow. You should always avoid using soap, harsh cleaners or commercial jewellery cleaners and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cameos should be stored in a clean, dry place, away from heat and bright lights. It is recommended that the jewellery box containing the cameo be lined.
STORING YOUR JEWELLERY
When jewellery is not worn, it should be stored separately in a protective (lined) box or a tarnish-resistant pouch. It can also be stored in a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene. Never use polyvinyl plastic bags, such as garbage bags as they contain sulphur compounds, which will make sterling silver tarnish faster.
Do not store your jewellery in the bathroom. This will make it tarnish faster due to humidity and to sulphites; which can be found in some toilet freshener sets.
Please note that the PANDORA gift boxes are not made for long-term storage. The boxes are not airtight, and since humidity and air is a major culprit when it comes to tarnishing, keeping jewelry in the gift box for a longer period of time will cause them to tarnish just as fast as when not in a box.
Using a tumbler with the PANDORA ESSENCE COLLECTION and PANDORA Rose™ is not recommended.
PANDORA Rose™
These innovative products deserve special care, so kindly follow our recommendations to ensure they remain beautiful and lasting keepsakes of your unforgettable moments.
Maintain the beautiful shine and unique finish by polishing PANDORA Rose™ products with a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth in lukewarm water, adding a small amount of mild soap, and rub gently on jewelry. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
If jewelry is particularly dirty, soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Use of silver polishing liquids, silver dips, ultrasonic cleaning and a tumbler should be avoided.
PANDORA polishing cloths with cleaning compound are not recommended for PANDORA Rose™ jewelry. Do not expose the jewelry to harsh chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and remove jewelry prior to bathing or swimming.
Please note that the warm pink-hued color may intensify with age due to tarnishing, adding to the jewelry’s beautiful, vintage appeal. It is normal for the finishing to wear off over time. PANDORA’s warranty does not cover this wear and tear.
Information credited to Pandora
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