Mind’s Eye Collective offers, in general, four types of metal for each style--Gold Fill, Sterling Silver, Brass and Copper. Each has different care requirements to keep them at peak shine. Lets begin with those that are most reactive--meaning they require more frequent care--and finish with those that need minimal upkeep.
Copper
The copper wire pieces we offer are sealed to protect from tarnish however, earring hooks are not. As copper reacts with the elements around it, it can begin to patina as it oxidizes, causing a dull or greenish layer on the surface of the metal. With extended wear, you may find your pieces needing a bit of TLC to return them to their original luster. Here are a few tricks to keeping your copper pieces looking great:
General Care
Before all cleaning tips, it is important to talk about general care--most crucial, keeping copper jewelry away from water and solvents. This means removing all jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming or washing up. Salt water and chlorine can permanently damage copper jewelry.
Cleaning Tips
1.) Vinegar (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic)--Place the item in a glass or plastic container (not metal) and pour vinegar until pieces are completely submerged. Let sit for about 10-20 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2.) Lemon or Lime Juice with salt-- Wet pieces with lemon or lime juice and sprinkle with salt then rub gently with soft cloth or fingers. (Tip--Sprinkle salt directly on a cut lemon then rub copper pieces with lemon. It should only take a few minutes
to return shine.) Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3.) Ketchup--yep, I did say Ketchup! Due to the vinegar in ketchup, it works as a great tarnish remover. Squeeze a little on to copper pieces and rub with soft cloth, a soft-bristled toothbrush or fingers until tarnish has gone. Rinse and dry thoroughly. (Tip-- if you do not have ketchup, Worcestershire sauce will work in the same fashion.)
4.) Baking Soda and Lemon juice paste-- Mix together equal parts lemon juice and baking soda and rub on to copper pieces with a soft cloth or fingers. To get into deeper crevices, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storing Tips
Storing your copper jewelry is an important part of care. Make sure pieces are thoroughly dry as exposure to air and moisture are what cause patina. Place jewelry in an airtight bag or tupperware and place in a cool, dry area.
Brass
The brass wire pieces we offer are coated to protect from tarnish and the earring hooks are gold plated. While some people assume the green layer of tarnish that can accumulate over time, or with extensive wear, on brass jewelry (patina) is unwanted, others love it for the character it adds to their piece. If you love the look of brass patina, all you have to do to upkeep your jewelry is the occasional soap and warm water clean to remove dirt build up. If you would like your brass to gleam and shine like new, here are a few tips:
General Care
Before all cleaning tips, it is important to talk about general care. Believe it or not, the best way to keep your Sterling Silver from tarnishing is to wear it often! Your skin's natural oils will help keep it shiny.
Cleaning Tips
1.) Mild Soap and Water-- sometimes, simple is better. Wash your brass jewelry with a mild liquid soap in warm water. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2.) Vinegar and Flour or Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste-- For vinegar and flour paste, mix vinegar, flour and a little bit of salt to create a paste. For vinegar and baking soda, mix the two to create a smooth paste (note--as you first mix the ingredients, they will start to fizz, do not worry, this is normal). For both pastes, use your fingers, soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove tarnish. Leave for 15-30 minute. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3.) Lemon or Lime Juice with Salt-- Wet pieces with lemon or lime juice and sprinkle with salt and rub gently with soft cloth or fingers. (Tip--Sprinkle salt directly on a cut lemon then rub copper pieces with lemon. It should only take a few minutes to return shine.) Rinse and dry thoroughly.
4.) Ketchup--Due to the vinegar in ketchup, it works as a great tarnish remover. Squeeze a little on to copper pieces and rub with soft cloth, a soft-bristled toothbrush or fingers until tarnish has gone. Rinse and dry thoroughly. (Tip-- if you do not have ketchup, Worcestershire sauce will work in the same fashion.)
Storing Tips
- Storing your copper jewelry is an important part of care. Make sure pieces are thoroughly dry as exposure to air and moisture are what cause patina. Place jewelry in an airtight bag or tupperware and place in a cool, dry area.
- Do not store in paper, cardboard or cotton-filled boxes as they may contain traces of sulfur which can accelerate tarnish.
Sterling Silver
The copper wire pieces we offer are sealed to protect from tarnish however, earring hooks are not. As copper reacts with the elements around it, it can begin to patina as it oxidizes, causing a dull or greenish layer on the surface of the metal. With extended wear, you may find your pieces needing a bit of TLC to return them to their original luster. Here are a few tricks to keeping your copper pieces looking great:
General Care
Before all cleaning tips, it is important to talk about general care--most crucial, keeping copper jewelry away from water and solvents. This means removing all jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming or washing up. Salt water and chlorine can permanently damage copper jewelry.
Cleaning Tips
1.) Mild Soap and Water-- simple is definitely better here because it is gentle. Wash your Sterling Silver jewelry with a mild liquid soap in warm water. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2.) Baking Soda and Water Paste--make a paste of baking soda and water and rub gently into jewelry with fingers, soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3.) White vinegar and Baking Soda--Soak your pieces in ½ white vinegar and 2 tbsp of baking soda (or equivalent ratio) for 2-3 hours. (note--as you first mix the ingredients, they will start to fizz, do not worry, this is normal). Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storing Tips
Storing your copper jewelry is an important part of care. Make sure pieces are thoroughly dry as exposure to air and moisture are what cause patina. Place jewelry in an airtight bag or tupperware and place in a cool, dry area.
Gold Fill
The gold wire we offer is Gold Fill and the ear wire is gold plated. Gold Fill wire is a lifetime product because of the process and thickness by which the gold is bonded to the brass center. It requires a rare and specific set of conditions (extreme sulfide) to blacken or tarnish.
General Care
General care for Gold Fill jewelry is simple--the best way to keep your Gold Fill looking great is to wear it often! Your skin's natural oils will help keep it shiny.
Cleaning Tips
1.) Mild Soap and Water-- simple is definitely better here because it is gentle. Wash your brass jewelry with a mild liquid soap in warm water. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2.) Soft Cloth--use a clean soft cloth to polish your gold fill jewelry gently and avoid scratching.
Storing Tips
Storing your copper jewelry is an important part of care. Make sure pieces are thoroughly dry. Place jewelry in an airtight bag or tupperware and place in a cool, dry area.
