When discussing product care, people are often hesitant to buy. Product care can require additional work, however, is a small price to pay for a long-lasting, sophisticated wardrobe. How does product care work? At BLUE & MAY we take serious pride in our natural and sustainable products and we are devoted to taking good care of the elements that we obtain from mother nature. Here you will find the ways you should take care of BLUE & MAY timeless pieces.
Sterling Silver, a precious metal
Silver oxidizes upon contact with air. You can slow down the process by keeping your silver jewelry in an airtight bag or container. A zip-lock bag will do nicely. For general cleaning, use just a polishing cloth, as gentle rubbing and buffing alone will remove mild tarnishing. Polishing cloths are ideal as they are usually impregnated with a polishing compound, last a long time and give an amazing shine. If the piece has a stone, be careful not to touch it with the polisher.
Bronze, Copper and Silver nickel
Some pieces are made from copper and bronze – or a combination of the three. A skin-friendly lacquer is usually applied to protect them. When left in their raw state, these metals have the tendency to naturally age over time. These changes in color are stunning, giving each piece a uniquely special character. If you would like to maintain it in its original state, keep your piece bone dry and store it in an airtight container with a desiccant packet. For brass and bronze, you can use a gentle brass/bronze/copper cleanser, or polish by hand when needed.
Semi – precious stones
Our artisans work with porous stones as Onyx and Tiger’s Eye. Porous stones absorb any liquid they come into contact with, so never soak them in water, and avoid household chemicals because they will cause stains and discoloration. Simply wipe them with a clean damp cloth when they need it, then dry them off thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Check the settings often, and take your item to a jeweler for repair if they start to seem loose. (see “stone properties” to find your favorite stone).
Natural Crystals
Our artisans work with natural crystals as amethyst, rose quartz, and tourmaline. Crystals are generally durable, but can still break or get worn away by harsh soap and scrubbing, so make sure you treat them gently. If the jewelry is a combination of crystals and stones or pearls, the safest way to clean it will be with a clean damp cloth when they need it, then dry them off thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. In the case the piece of jewelry is a combination of just non-porous crystals you should be able to wipe your crystal with a soft cloth dipped in warm water.
Freshwater pearls
These pearls are grown in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. Although many are white and resemble saltwater cultured pearls in shape and size, they can also be produced in alternative shapes and in an array of pastel colors. Many freshwater pearls don’t have a bead nucleus — only a piece of tissue — resulting in a pearl with thicker nacre than the saltwater cultured pearls.
Freshwater pearls are delicate and will easily scratch if stored next to other jewelry. To prevent damage always store your pearls in a jewelry pouch.
Here are a few key tips:
Clean your pearls after each wearing and simply wipe with a soft, microfiber jewelry cloth, either damp or dry, to remove any skin oils or dirt. A drop of olive oil on the cloth can be used to help maintain the luster. If damp, lay the pearls on a soft cloth to dry before storing. Avoid using cleaners such as ultrasound cleaners, as well as, detergents and brushes. If your piece is worn frequently, it is recommended you restring it every two to three years.
Alpaca and textile art products
Hand washing: is our recommended method for washing our wares. It is important to remember that wool products shrink and/or felt (band or mass together) when they undergo temperature changes while wet (i.e., the greater the temperature change and/or agitation, the greater the risk of shrinking and felting). Machine washing is therefore extremely hard on the fibers we use. For prime hand washing conditions, please follow these parameters:
– Water temperature should remain cool at a maximum of 86°F (30°C)
– Use only mild neutral soap
– Do not use chlorine bleach or any other detergent
Drying; Remove any excess water carefully, but avoid agitation by twisting and wringing. We do not use a dryer. The best option is to lay the product on a towel and then allow it to dry naturally in the breeze and in the shade. Make sure to straighten the seams by hand to reduce wrinkling. Do not use a brush to smooth the fabric – after it has dried, you may touch up wrinkles by using a cold iron.
Ironing: Set iron on the “wool” setting and add water for steam. Always use steam heat when pressing. Use a cloth when top pressing.
Storing to preserve: It is important to make sure the item is completely dry before storing, and to also ensure it is protected from moths (e.g., store items in cedar chests, plastic zip-lock containers, or sealed plastic tubs). Sachets of dried lavender can also be helpful. We do not recommend using mothballs.
