Make It Last Forever ☥
Gilded Grotto pieces are created with some combination of crystals, metals, and clay. The following tips on this page are for crystal jewelry and home decor created with all the mediums we offer.
Table of Contents
Crystals
Almost all Grotto pieces feature a natural crystal, gemstone, or mineral. When physically cleaning your pieces, it is important that you make sure your crystal can withstand the cleaning method you choose, regardless of the metal.
• avoid coming into contact with hard surfaces
• pay special attention when hugging others or leaning over while wearing chunky, jagged, or longer crystal necklaces
• remove when showering, exercising, or swimming to preserve hand-painted areas and clear sealant
• Water + Toothbrush
Use a soft toothbrush to clean any surface dirt or dust that accumulates. You may wet the toothbrush if your piece needs deeper cleaning or it has deep cracks or rough surfaces
WARNING: If your piece features a crystal whose name ends in “-ite” (malachite, labradorite, apatite), DO NOT allow it to remain wet for a prolonged period of time.
These crystals have the potential to either dissolve completely, or release harmful chemicals when exposed to water.
For example, while brass jewelry may be cleaned by soaking in vinegar, if your brass cuff features a selenite stone, you DO NOT want to let the selenite soak in ANY kind of liquid for a prolonged period of time. It WILL break down and dissolve.
If your “-ite” crystal accidentally comes into contact with a little bit of water, don’t panic, just dry it immediately, and do not wear it again until it is dry.
If you are unsure about whether or not your “-ite” crystal can be exposed to water, please refer to your online search engine of choice
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is the next best thing after solid karat gold. Gold-Filled pieces will never tarnish and will last a lifetime with proper care.
• May be worn 24/7*
• May be worn while swimming, showering, and working out
*please note, if your gold-filled piece features a crystal, do your research to make sure the crystal can get wet before you wear it in the shower.
• Water & Soap
Grab a soft toothbrush, and with a little warm water and soap, gently scrub your piece until shine is restored.
• Natural Lemon Juice
Cut a lemon and squeeze a few drops of juice over your piece. Let sit for 3-5 minutes, and then scrub with a soft toothbrush and rinse.
• Ultrasonic Cleansing Machine
*avoid jewelry cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals
Gold Plated
Gold plated jewelry contains a layer of real karat gold over another metal, such as brass, stainless steel, or sterling silver. Our gold plated jewelry features either 18 or 14 karat gold.
• 18k plated jewelry may be worn while swimming, showering, and working out
• 14k plated jewelry is water resistant, but to prolong the life of your pieces, they should be removed before showering or swimming
• Soft Toothbrush
Grab a soft toothbrush, and gently scrub your piece to loosen any accumulated dirt
• Soft Cloth
Gently rub your piece with a soft cloth*
CAUTION: avoid using jewelry polishing cloths that contain chemicals or abrasive compounds
Brass, Copper & Bronze
Brass and Copper are raw metals that will may require more vigorous cleaning from time to time, unless you like your jewelry to have a "worn" look.
• avoid salt water and chlorine, as it may accelerate tarnish (which is 100% reversible)
• remove before sleeping or working out to prevent oxidation from sweat
• Lemon, Salt, & Cloth
Cut the lemon, sprinkle some salt over the cut surface, and rub it over all tarnished areas, while squeezing the lemon to release its juice. If your piece features a crystal, avoid getting lemon juice on it. Let sit for 3-15 minutes, or until dirt/oxidation/tarnish disappears. Rinse with warm water and then rub with a soft cloth or polishing cloth until COMPLETELY DRY.
• White Vinegar, Salt, and Flour
This method works best for larger jewelry items lie cuffs, or vintage home decor.
Mix all three ingredients to create a thick paste. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your tarnished item and let it for 30-60 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry completely with a soft cloth.
• Ketchup
If you like getting a little messy, this method is for you.
Simply apply a layer or ketchup to your piece and let it sit for an hour. Wash with warm water and dish soap, then dry completely with a soft cloth.
Please note, this method is NOT recommended for pieces with jagged or raw crystals, as it may be difficult to remove the ketchup from all the crevices in natural stones.
Silver
This section covers how to wear and care for Sterling, .999 Fine, and Argentium Silver
• Sterling Silver (925) WILL tarnish over time, but it is 100% reversible. Remove before showering, swimming, or working out. Store in a cool, dry place, and in a pouch or box away from other metals to slow or prevent tarnish.
• Argentium Silver (930 or 960) is of a higher quality than sterling silver and is much more tarnish resistant. Remove before swimming in chlorinated water and before coming into contact with any chemicals
• Pure, 99.9% Silver (aka fine silver) will not rust or tarnish and may be worn 24/7
• White Vinegar
Place your silver piece in a dish and pour white vinegar over it until it is completely submerged. Let soak for at least 15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and then dry with a soft cloth.
• White Vinegar + Baking Soda
Pour vinegar into a glass or plastic dish, and carefully add a few spoonfuls of baking soda. Place your silver piece in the dish and allow it to . Let soak for at least an hour or until tarnish is removed. Rinse with warm water and dry completely with a soft cloth.
Sculpted
Hand Sculpted pieces are created with a special type of clay. While the clay is highly durable and should last a lifetime, if you’re not careful, some sculpted areas on your piece may chip, especially if consistently exposed to water. Hand sculpted pieces are also finished with a hard, clear sealant. This sealant protects the detailed hand-painted areas of your piece.
• avoid coming into contact with hard surfaces
• remove when showering, exercising, or swimming to preserve hand-painted areas and clear sealant
• remove any dust or dirt that accumulates with soft cloth or soft toothbrush.
Resin Goods
Resin goods such as coasters, jewelry displays, trinket boxes, and home decor are created with FDA approved epoxy resin.
• avoid leaving in direct heat or sunlight for prolonged periods of time, as UV rays may cause yellowing, and heat may cause resin to warp
• water safe
• may be cleaned with water, soap, and a soft cloth
Want To Know More About Metal?
Click the link below for an in-depth look at the types of metal The Grotto offers