Preserving the Beauty of Your Sterling Silver & Natural Stone Jewelry
Every piece in our collection has a story.
Whether handcrafted by a skilled artisan, lovingly worn through generations, or carefully sourced as a vintage treasure, your jewelry deserves thoughtful care. Sterling silver develops a rich patina over time, while natural gemstones possess unique characteristics that make each piece truly one of a kind.
With proper care, your jewelry can be enjoyed and loved now and for generations to come.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a precious metal that naturally develops a soft patina through exposure to air and everyday wear. This is a hallmark of genuine sterling silver and is often appreciated by collectors for the depth and character it adds.
To maintain its natural beauty:
- Store jewelry in a cool, dry location away from humidity.
- Keep each piece in an anti-tarnish pouch, soft jewelry bag, or airtight container when not being worn.
- Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, gardening, or household cleaning.
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, sunscreen, hairspray, and household chemicals.
- Polish only with a soft sterling silver polishing cloth designed specifically for fine jewelry.
- Avoid abrasive cleansers, silver dips, toothpaste, baking soda, or polishing compounds that may damage the silver's finish.
Some collectors prefer the naturally aged patina that develops over time, while others enjoy maintaining a brighter finish. Both are beautiful expressions of sterling silver.
Sterling Silver with Turquoise
Turquoise has been treasured for centuries throughout the American Southwest for its striking beauty and natural variation. As one of nature's softer, more porous gemstones, turquoise requires gentle handling.
To protect your turquoise jewelry:
- Keep away from perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, sunscreen, oils, and household chemicals.
- Remove jewelry before washing hands, showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat, or rapid temperature changes.
- Never soak turquoise in water.
- Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Clean only with a soft, dry microfiber or lint-free cloth.
Natural turquoise may gradually deepen in color over time as it absorbs trace amounts of natural skin oils. This gentle aging process is considered a normal characteristic of genuine turquoise and reflects the stone's organic nature.
Sterling Silver with Natural Gemstones
Many pieces in our collection feature carefully selected natural gemstones, including:
Amethyst • Garnet • Onyx • Lapis Lazuli • Jasper • Malachite • Moonstone • Carnelian • Chrysoprase • Labradorite • Agate • Tiger's Eye • Quartz varieties, along with many other naturally occurring stones.
To preserve their beauty:
- Avoid impact against hard surfaces.
- Protect stones from perfumes, cosmetics, lotions, and harsh cleaning products.
- Remove jewelry before strenuous activity or household chores.
- Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth when necessary, then dry immediately.
- Never use bleach, ammonia, acetone, or abrasive cleaning products.
- Unless specifically recommended for that gemstone, avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratching.
Vintage & Estate Jewelry
Vintage jewelry carries the character and craftsmanship of another era.
Minor signs of age, gentle patina, hand-finished details, and natural wear are part of each piece's history and should be appreciated as evidence of authenticity rather than imperfections.
Although every item is carefully inspected prior to offering it for sale, vintage jewelry should be worn thoughtfully.
We recommend:
- Avoid dropping jewelry or striking it against hard surfaces.
- Remove rings before lifting heavy objects or performing manual work.
- Periodically inspect clasps, prongs, and stone settings.
- If worn regularly, have valuable pieces professionally inspected by a qualified jeweler.
Natural Variations
No two natural gemstones are exactly alike.
Color variations, matrix patterns, inclusions, veining, texture, and subtle differences in shape are natural characteristics formed by the earth over millions of years. These unique features contribute to the individuality and beauty of every piece.
Likewise, handcrafted silverwork may display slight variations that reflect the artisan's skill and traditional techniques.
These qualities are not defects but are part of the authenticity and charm of genuine vintage and handcrafted jewelry.
Storage Recommendations
To help preserve your jewelry:
- Store pieces individually to prevent scratches.
- Keep jewelry dry and away from humidity.
- Use anti-tarnish strips or pouches whenever possible.
- Fasten necklaces and chains before storing to minimize tangling.
- Avoid prolonged storage in bathrooms or other humid environments.
A Note About Authenticity & Heritage
Many of the vintage and estate pieces we offer celebrate the rich artistic traditions of the American Southwest, among other cultures from around the world. Whenever known and properly attributed, we proudly identify jewelry created by renowned silversmiths, Native American artisans and tribal affiliations, if any. Other pieces reflect Southwestern design influences and are described accordingly. We are committed to honoring the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage behind every piece we curate.
Our Commitment
Our carefully curated collections include authentic vintage, estate, and select contemporary pre-owned sterling silver jewelry, along with exceptional Southwestern and Native American pieces featuring natural turquoise and semi-precious gemstones. Every piece is carefully selected for its craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless beauty. We hope your jewelry becomes part of your own story and is treasured for years to come.
Thank you for supporting our small business and for helping preserve the legacy of vintage jewelry and other adornments for you, your home or as a special gift.