Care Instructions
Caring for Your Southern Shores Artistry Jewelry
Every piece from Southern Shores Artistry is handcrafted and one of a kind. With a little care, it will stay beautiful for years to come.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally develops a patina over time — some love this warmth; others prefer a bright shine. Both are beautiful.
- Polish with a soft, dry cloth to maintain shine
- Store in an airtight bag or jewelry box to slow tarnishing
- Remove before swimming, bathing, exercising, or applying perfume and lotions
- Avoid contact with cleaning products, bleach, and chlorine
Jeweler's Brass
Brass develops a natural patina over time and may cause temporary skin discoloration in some individuals — this is a natural characteristic of the metal, not a flaw.
- Clean with a soft cloth to maintain shine
- A paste of lemon juice and salt (or a brass polish) can restore brightness
- Patina can be embraced as part of the piece's evolving character
Natural Gemstones
- Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth — avoid soaking
- Porous stones like turquoise, opal, and malachite are sensitive to water, oils, and chemicals — keep these dry and away from lotions and perfume
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade some stones over time
- Store pieces individually to prevent stones from scratching each other
A Note on Natural Beauty
Natural gemstones are exactly that — natural. Inclusions, color variations, matrix patterns, and subtle irregularities are inherent to each stone and are what make every piece truly one of a kind. These are not imperfections; they are the signature of the earth. Handcrafted metalwork may also carry the subtle marks of the maker's hand — hammer texture, slight variation in form — that distinguish it from anything mass-produced. I consider these part of the charm.