Jewelry Care

All pieces are made with integrity and care. They are meant to be worn with durability and enjoyed for years to come.

Sterling Silver

Most of my pieces are made with sterling silver. Silver with tarnish and patina when exposed to water, sweat, perfurmes/lotions, and chemical cleaning agents. This will cause the metal to darken in color. To avoid this, take off jewelry when swimming (esp. in ocean), showering, working out, and cleaning.

To clean your jewelry, I recommend taking a toothbrush with warm water and a mild soap, ex. dish soap, and lightly scrubbing your piece. For a more thorough cleaning, baking soda and water can remove higher levels of tarnish, however I don’t always recommend this method if there are stones in your piece. Alternatively, you can embrace the patina and allow your jewelry to age with you.

Brass / 14k Gold-fill

I occasionally use brass and 14k gold-fill as a cheaper alternative to solid gold, however it tarnishes easily and requires a higher level of care to maintain a lustrous quality. Brass contains copper, which tarnishes quickly when exposed to oxygen or water and can turn your skin green. This isn’t ideal, however it is a natural process and not an allergic reaction. To avoid this, take off your jewelry frequently and clean with soap and water. Also storing your pieces in closed containers can be helpful. I recommend embracing the natural qualities of the metal and enjoying the patina if you choose to get a brass piece.

Gold-fill will not tarnish as easily as brass. There is a thick layer of pressure-bound gold over a base metal, usually silver or brass. Gold is known for its anti-tarnish qualities, however these pieces should be maintained with care if you want to keep the lustrous quality. Avoid wearing jewelry for long periods of time and gently cleaning with soap, water, and a polishing cloth will help maintain its quality for years to come.

I am happy to discuss cleaning and jewelry care, please reach out to howdy@maggieagnew.com with questions. If you would like a piece cleaned annually, I do this free of charge. Reach out via email to arrange a cleaning.