Care & Storage
Care & Storage
Quartz and amethyst
Dust with a dry soft cloth. Amethyst fades with prolonged direct sunlight; display it away from a bright south-facing window. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can crack stones with internal fractures.
Jadeite and nephrite
Wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid household cleaners, chlorine and hard knocks. Nephrite looks better worn than stored; jadeite should be kept from harder stones that can scratch it.
Silver
Tarnish is normal. Polish with a soft silver cloth. Store in a sealed bag with the air pressed out. Do not use abrasive polish on plated pieces; it removes the plating.
Brass
Brass darkens with air and skin oils. A dry cloth keeps it even; a light polish brightens it. Lacquered pieces should only be wiped, never polished.
Cord and knots
Remove before swimming, showering or exercise. Water softens dye and stretches nylon. Dry flat, away from direct heat. If a sliding knot no longer holds, it can usually be retied.
Storage
Keep pieces separate. Hard stones scratch soft ones, and chains tangle. A lined box with individual compartments solves both.