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Jewelry Care

Carrie Whelan Designs is artisan handcrafted jewelry meant to be a lasting part of your jewelry collection. Proper care and storage will ensure the details and beauty of each piece stay intact.

 

General Care:

Sterling silver will tarnish, or darken over time as it is exposed to air and humidity. Use a soft polishing cloth to gently wipe off residue and brighten tarnished metals. Alternately, briefly cleaning with soapy water can remove surface residue, but be sure to dry the jewelry completely. Silver dips can often be too harsh and will damage the gemstones and pearls if contacted.

Take care to protect your gemstone and pearl jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Gemstones can wear away at precious metals and stringing wire and cause them to break. Avoid stacking those bracelets that would be vulnerable to abrasions.

Keep gemstones and pearls away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The light and heat can cause pearls to crack and change color; it can also alter the color of gemstones.

Exposure to chemicals can damage your jewelry. Jewelry should always be removed before bathing, swimming or using household cleaners.
Jewelry should be the last thing you put on before you leave the house – and the first thing you take off when you come home.

 

Proper storage:

Store your Carrie Whelan Designs jewelry in the box provided. It’s best to keep all jewelry in a cool, dry area of your home. Storing it in a tarnish prevention bag or jewelry box is ideal.

After removing chains, close the clasp and hang them or lay them neatly to avoid tangles.

Beaded jewelry is best stored straight and flat. Twisting or hanging pieces will cause the wires to weaken and leads to breakage.

 

If you need any help with your handcrafted jewelry care, please contact us. Thank you for choosing Carrie Whelan Designs and we hope you enjoy your jewelry for years to come!