Jewelry Information & Care Guide
Native American and western jewelry is meant to be worn, loved, and passed down. Many pieces, especially vintage items, will show natural patina, hairline marks, or signs of age. This is normal and is often part of the value and charm of the piece.
The guidelines below are written with sterling silver, turquoise, coral, spiny oyster, and similar stones in mind.
Understanding Your Jewelry
Sterling Silver & Patina
Sterling silver naturally darkens over time as it reacts with air, skin, and the environment. We do not polish pieces before shipping. This allows you to decide whether you prefer a bright shine or the natural aged look.
- A soft, even patina is often desirable and can enhance the depth and character of hand-stamped or hand-carved details.
- Heavy tarnish (chalky, very dark, or almost black buildup) can hide detail and may need gentle cleaning.
General Care Guidelines
To keep your jewelry looking its best, follow these universal standards:
- Put jewelry on last, take it off first. Avoid contact with hairspray, perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and makeup.
- Avoid water & chemicals. Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, cleaning, or using hot tubs/saunas.
- Store pieces separately. Keep jewelry in a dry place, ideally in individual pouches or soft cloth to avoid scratching and tangling.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave jewelry in very hot or very cold places (like a car dashboard or near a heater).
- Remove before sleep & heavy activity. This helps prevent accidental bending, stone loosening, or chain breakage.
Caring for Sterling Silver
- Light cleaning: Use a soft, untreated polishing cloth made for sterling silver. Gently rub the metal only (avoid rubbing directly over stones if possible).
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Do not use liquid dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive pastes on Native-made or stone-set pieces. These can damage stones, remove intentional oxidation, and weaken settings.
- Be gentle around stamp work & oxidized areas: Over-cleaning can remove the dark background that makes hand-stamped designs stand out.
Caring for Turquoise
Turquoise is a porous, relatively soft stone that can absorb oils and liquids and can change over time if not cared for properly.
- Keep turquoise dry. Do not wear turquoise in the shower, pool, ocean, or while washing dishes.
- Avoid lotions, perfumes & oils. These can darken the stone or alter its color over time.
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat. Prolonged exposure can dry out turquoise and make it more fragile.
- Clean gently. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemical cleaners or polishing dips on turquoise.
Caring for Coral & Spiny Oyster
Both coral and spiny oyster shell are organic materials and need gentle handling.
- Avoid water and chemicals. Remove before bathing, swimming, or using cleaning products.
- No soaking or steam. Do not soak coral or spiny oyster in water, and avoid steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Clean with a soft cloth only. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with water, wipe carefully, and dry immediately.
- Protect from impact. These materials can chip or crack if knocked against hard surfaces.
Stones, Settings & Vintage Pieces
- Check your jewelry regularly. Look for any movement in the stones, bent prongs, or loose settings. If something feels loose, stop wearing the piece until it can be checked by a professional.
- Vintage & high-value pieces. Vintage and older Native-made pieces can be more delicate. Treat them gently, avoid rough wear, and store them carefully when not in use.
- Handmade variations. Small irregularities in stones, settings, and stamp work are part of the beauty of Native-made and handcrafted jewelry. They are not flaws, but signatures of the artist’s hand.
What to Avoid
To protect your jewelry, avoid:
- Liquid jewelry dips and harsh chemical cleaners
- Ultrasonic or steam cleaners on stone-set or Native-made pieces
- Wearing pieces in pools, hot tubs, saunas, or the ocean
- Storing jewelry in damp bathrooms or near sinks
- Tossing pieces loosely into purses, drawers, or glove compartments
Long-Term Care & Professional Help
If you are ever unsure about how to clean or care for a specific piece:
- Reach out before attempting any cleaning methods you’re not familiar with.
- For major tarnish removal, stone tightening, or repair work, use a jeweler who understands Native-made and stone-set pieces.
With a little care and attention, your silver, turquoise, coral, and spiny oyster pieces will age beautifully and can be cherished for many years to come.
Each piece is a hand-selected relic. Treat it with the same respect with which it was crafted.