Care Instructions
Most of the jewellery I make is sterling silver, copper and titanium. I sometimes add buttons (fabric, plastic or glass), paint, or other elements, so I will try and cover all areas.
I tend to recommend the basic rule - ‘Last On, First Off’
Think of your jewellery as the finishing touches to your outfit, like a ‘cherry on top’, after applying any make-up, moisturisers, hair products etc. Make sure you wash your hands before handling your jewellery, especially if it’s bare metal or fabric materials. Then remove your jewellery first before you wash your face, and please don’t wear my jewellery in the shower!
Some cleaning and repairs may require the piece going back to the maker, but there are some things you can do yourself at home.
In general, sterling silver will tarnish over time. Exposure to the air and contact with oils from your skin or moisturisers etc are some factors that cause marks and discolouration on the metal.
Keeping your jewellery stored in a closed jewellery box or container, even in individual zip-lock bags, and handling it with clean hands will also help maintain its appearance.
Polishing cloths are a handy tool to bring the shine back to polished surfaces pretty quickly. Keep in mind the compound in these cloths may mark other non-metal surfaces, like the fabric buttons and threads I sometimes use, as well as clothing and your hands. So please be mindful to keep to the area you need polishing and take your time (it will wash off your hands pretty easily with warm water and soap, but cleaning fabric may prove more troublesome).
All plain (uncoated, untreated) silver can be easily cleaned with warm water and a pH neutral soap or detergent. Any supermarket grade ‘eco’ type dishwashing liquid or soap should work fine, but always check the labels or look online. Be mindful that certain cloths and paper towels may risk marking the metal, especially if it’s a polished surface. Please avoid anything highly abrasive like a scouring dishcloth or hard bristle toothbrush. If you’re cleaning any of my button jewellery, please do not immerse the piece in the water, instead localise the cleaning to the marked area and keep the button dry as possible.
Sterling Silver
Oxidised, or darkened, metals simply have a surface treatment to make them that colour. It is a durable coating, but not permanent, and can easily come off with any high abrasive like sandpaper or scourer cloths. This treatment can gradually wear over normal extended use, which can often create a lovely worn look, and can be a nice feature depending on the style of jewellery. This treatment can also be redone at some point down the line if you’re looking to give your jewellery a refresh.
Oxidised Metal
Some of my jewellery includes elements that are copper or titanium metal coated with MTN Hardcore spray paint. They have a colour layer and a gloss clear coat sealer on top. This is a durable type of paint designed for domestic, industrial and artistic purposes. For everyday wear, this paint should withstand most conditions, however it may not be resistant to hard knocks and scratches from anything sharp or abrasive. If any extreme markings do occur, please get in touch with me, as some damage could be fixed with a simple re-spraying.
Painted Metal
Fabric buttons are pretty sturdy, they are designed to be on clothes and used everyday, however, remember these guys can’t go through the washing machine anymore! All my buttons are from pre-loved and second-hand sources, making each piece wonderfully unique, but it does mean replacing them will prove extremely difficult, if not impossible. So best to take care!
All my fabric buttons are Scotchguarded prior to being used to help protect the fabric from stains.
Best practice is to handle the jewellery by the metal as much as possible, but there does seem to be an irresistible urge to just want to touch the buttons! I don’t blame you, it’s that wonderful tactile sensation that draws us to them. So, your new mantra is CLEAN HANDS! Always wash hands of any dirt, moisturisers, make-up, sunscreens etc before handling the buttons.
If your buttons do get marked, wipe gently with a colour-free clean cloth and some stain remover as soon as possible (please also refer to instructions of use provided by your choice of stain remover). Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaches as these may affect the colours of the fabric. Do not immerse or soak the jewellery in water.
If you have a polishing cloth to clean your jewellery, try to avoid rubbing this cloth on the buttons. The polishing compound embedded in the cloth can leave dark stains on the fabric which could prove difficult to remove, even with a stain remover.
I don’t want to scare you off from wearing your button jewellery! I have my own button earrings that I have worn for years and they are still going strong. Jewellery is meant to be worn and enjoyed, and by following these basic care tips you can flaunt your buttony treasures every day!