Cleaning & Polishing.

There are a few ways to polish your metal, as I work with copper, nickel silver and sterling silver, each metal requires a different cleaning method.

Copper: Place piece/s in equal parts white vinegar and water and leave for around 10 minutes, you’ll see any dirt and tarnish disappear! Then follow with a polishing cloth and metal polish if desired.  Always take care not to use metal polish on stones, this may damage them.

Nickel Silver: Place piece/s in equal parts bicarbonate soda and lemon to create a liquid paste. Rub paste gently over your jewellery and then leave for around 10 minutes. For a deeper clean, use a toothbrush to remove hard to reach dirt and tarnish. Follow with a polishing cloth and metal polish if desired.  Always take care not to use metal polish on stones, this may damage them.

Sterling Silver: Mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent and water together until soapy, dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently rub your jewellery piece until clean, rinse in cold water then rub dry with a soft clean towel. Follow with polishing cloth if desired.

Tarnish

All metals mentioned above will eventually tarnish and darken with time. This is a natural reaction of being exposed to everyday elements and everyday use. 

Tarnish can be caused by things like:

1.     Natural elements ie: sun, salty air, wind and water (never swim with your jewellery!)

2.     Your skins natural oils.

3.     Certain chemicals.

4.     Some beauty products.

Make sure you help protect your pieces by looking after them, store them in a safe place away from direct sunlight and/or protective casing if you can.

Wear & Tear

Take care with certain activities while wearing your jewellery,  do not use during strenuous activity or exercise as this may damage your beauties! This nature of this jewellery has minimal soldering and is held together and connected by wire manipulation and hammering. Do not swim or wear your jewellery while bathing, this could damage the metal. Take care with any topical skin products as this could also damage your pieces. Nembe is not responsible for damage caused after purchase.