Jewelry Care

 


ELECTROPLATED MESH & METAL
Erica Zap's mesh and metal jewelry is of a brass base and electroplated with one of six different metal finishes:  Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Black Nickel, 18K Gold, Rhodium, or Sterling Silver.  
The mesh is composed of tiny woven metal wires and cannot take weight upon it or it can crush. Please take this into consideration when traveling with your jewelry. 
  • Electroplated jewelry will hold up best if not worn in water or sprayed with perfume, hairspray, lotion, makeup, etc.  These will affect the finish.
  • Never use a liquid jewelry cleaning solution on your mesh jewelry.  These cleaners are too aggressive and will ruin the electroplated finish.
  • If the silver should tarnish, as silver tends to do, you can use a silver polishing cloth to clean it.
  • If you do get any sort of film on your piece you can wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with hot water and liquid soap.  Wipe and let completely air dry.
  • When not wearing your jewelry, keep it in the Erica Zap velvet pouch or any plastic zip-lock bag to protect the finish.
If your piece should ever tarnish please contact us so that we may discuss having it replated.  Erica Zap stands behind the finish and we truly hope you enjoy your piece.


PEARLS
Pearls should be the last thing you put on to avoid contact with cosmetics, styling products or perfume. To clean, just wipe them off with a soft cloth or chamois, damp or dry.  This will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre.  You can even use a drop of olive oil on the cloth to help maintain their luster.  Avoid harsh chemicals or brushes that could damage the pearl’s surface.
Wear them often to maintain their shine and always store your pearl jewelry wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch and protected from all abrasive objects.

 

STERLING
Sterling silver tarnishes and may be cleaned with a non-abrasive silver polish such as Tarn-X. 
To clean sterling stone rings, use a mild solution of 6 parts hot water to 1 part ammonia and a splash of mild liquid soap. Apply with a soft bristle brush (such as an old toothbrush). 
To clean and re-matte brushed-finish sterling rings, use a scouring pad, such as Scotch-Brite pad for example, hot water and a splash of liquid soap.  Scrub back and forth to re-matte or abrade the surface if it becomes shiny from wear.