Ensuring the lasting beauty and elegance of your Mint & Lily jewelry involves simple yet effective care and maintenance practices. By following these guidelines, you can keep your pieces looking as radiant as the day you received them.

  • Protective Storage: To prevent scratches and tangling, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Individual compartments in a jewelry box or soft pouches are ideal for keeping each piece separate and safe.
  • Tarnish Prevention: For pieces prone to tarnish, consider anti-tarnish strips or bags, which help to absorb air pollutants that can cause discoloration over time.

  • Gentle Cleaning Methods

  • Regular Cleaning: Keep your jewelry sparkling by gently wiping it with a soft cloth after each wear. This removes oils and other substances that can dull its appearance.
  • Mild Soap Solution: For a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution. Soak the jewelry briefly and then use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean intricate designs. Always rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Special Care for Plated Jewelry: For gold, rose gold, or silver plated pieces, ensure minimal exposure to water and chemicals to maintain the integrity of the plating.

  • Periodic Polishing and Maintenance

  • Polishing Cloths: Use specialized jewelry polishing cloths to maintain the shine and luster of your pieces. These cloths are designed to be gentle on your jewelry while effectively buffing its surface.
  • Professional Check-up: Periodically, it's wise to have your jewelry professionally checked and cleaned. This can help in maintaining the structural integrity of your pieces, especially important for items with clasps, prongs, or stones.

  • Avoiding Harmful Exposures

  • Chemical Avoidance: Protect your jewelry by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning agents, cosmetics, and swimming pools.
  • Physical Protection: Remove jewelry during activities that may expose it to risk, such as heavy physical work, exercise, or swimming.
  • Care Guides By Material

    Care Guides By Material

    Cleaning stainless steel jewelry is straightforward and can be done with a few simple household items.

    Basic Cleaning

    1. Warm Water and Soap: Mix warm water with a mild dishwashing soap to create a soapy solution. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime.
    2. Soft Cloth or Brush: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry.
    3. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the stainless steel.
    4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse your jewelry thoroughly under clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the jewelry completely with a clean, dry cloth. Water spots can mar the appearance of stainless steel, so make sure it's thoroughly dried.

    Dealing with Tarnish or Stains
    While stainless steel is resistant to tarnishing, it can get stained or show fingerprints.

    1. Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water, with a consistency not too runny to stick to the jewelry. Apply the paste with a soft cloth and rub gently in a circular motion.
    2. Vinegar for Hard Water Stains: If your jewelry has hard water stains, you can use white vinegar. Soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the stained area for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

    Polishing
    For added shine, you can use your included jewelry polishing cloth designed for stainless steel.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance
    Always avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as they can damage stainless steel.
    Be cautious with jewelry featuring gemstones or intricate designs, as harsh cleaning can dislodge stones or damage settings.

    Cleaning sterling silver jewelry can be done at home with some simple materials and methods. Here are a few effective ways to clean your sterling silver pieces:

    Mild Soap and Water

    1. Prepare a Solution: Mix a bit of mild, phosphate-free, and ammonia-free soap with warm water.
    2. Soak: Place your sterling silver jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
    3. Gentle Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to gently scrub the jewelry.
    4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry under cool running water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

    Baking Soda Paste

    1. Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
    2. Apply Gently: Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste to the jewelry. For detailed or textured pieces, you might use a soft-bristled brush to get into the crevices.
    3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry well and dry it with a soft cloth.

    Silver Polishing Cloth
    Use a silver polishing cloth specifically designed for sterling silver. These cloths are treated with a silver cleaner and are very effective for quick touch-ups and regular maintenance.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Regular Wear: Regular wear can help prevent tarnish on sterling silver jewelry due to the oils in your skin.
  • Storage: Store sterling silver in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your sterling silver jewelry before using household cleaners or when swimming in chlorinated water.
  • Cleaning gold vermeil jewelry requires gentle care to maintain its luster without damaging the gold layer. Here's a step-by-step guide to clean your gold vermeil pieces.

    1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a bowl. It's important to use a non-abrasive, chemical-free soap to avoid damaging the gold plating.
    2. Soak the Jewelry: Place your gold vermeil jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt and residue.
    3. Gentle Cleaning: After soaking, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or a very soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently clean the jewelry. Be very careful around stones or intricate designs to avoid loosening any settings or detailing.
    4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your jewelry under lukewarm running water to remove any soap residue. Ensure the water flow is gentle to avoid any potential damage, and never use hot water as it can affect the adhesive used in some jewelry.
    5. Dry Carefully: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it. Avoid using paper-based products like tissues or paper towels for drying, as they can scratch the surface of the gold vermeil.

    Polishing
    If your jewelry needs a bit of extra shine, you can use your special jewelry polishing cloth designed for gold. Gently rub the surface to restore shine. Avoid using liquid polish as it can be too harsh for the gold vermeil.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Storage: Store your gold vermeil jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It's best to keep it in a soft-lined jewelry box or a pouch to prevent scratches and tarnishing. You can also put anti-tarnish strips in the storage area to help maintain the shine.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your gold vermeil jewelry before swimming, bathing, or doing household chores to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals or potential physical damage.
  • General Care

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep your beaded jewelry away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, as this can fade and damage some beads.
  • Prevent Contact with Chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and other chemicals can damage or discolor beads, especially porous ones like pearls or natural stones. Apply these products before wearing your jewelry.
  • Proper Storage: Store your beaded jewelry separately in a jewelry box or soft pouches to prevent scratching and tangling. Storing them in a cool, dry place is best.
  • Wearing with Care: Be mindful when wearing beaded jewelry. Avoid wearing it during physical activities like sports, gardening, or any tasks that might expose it to damage.
  • Cleaning Beaded Jewelry
    For Non-Porous Beads (like glass, metal, or plastic):

    1. Mild Soap Solution: Prepare a mild soap solution using warm water and a few drops of gentle soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents.
    2. Soft Cloth or Brush: Dip a soft, lint-free cloth or a very soft brush into the solution and gently clean the beads. For intricate pieces, you might use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach small crevices.
    3. Rinse with Care: Rinse the jewelry under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Avoid high pressure, which could dislodge the beads.
    4. Dry Thoroughly: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth, then lay it out on a towel to air dry completely before storing. Avoid using heat to dry.

    For Porous Beads (like pearls, wood, or natural stones):

  • Dry Wipe: Instead of using water, simply wipe down porous beads with a soft, dry cloth. Moisture can penetrate these beads, potentially causing damage.
  • Minimal Water: If absolutely necessary, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water, but avoid getting porous beads too wet.
  • No Chemicals: Do not use any soaps or cleaners on porous beads, as they can absorb the chemicals and sustain damage.
  • Air Dry: If you've used any water, let the jewelry air dry completely on a soft cloth before storing.
  • Pearls
    They require special care, including wearing them often to benefit from the body's natural oils, which keep them lustrous.

    Silver Beads
    Use a silver polishing cloth to maintain shine and prevent tarnish.

    Cleaning brass jewelry involves a few simple steps, and you can often use household items to do it.

    Method 1: Soap and Water

    1. Mix a mild dishwashing soap with warm water in a bowl.
    2. Soak the brass jewelry in the soapy water for a few minutes.
    3. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or tarnish.
    4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm running water.
    5. Dry the jewelry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.

    Method 2: Lemon and Salt

    1. Make a paste using lemon juice and salt. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt can effectively clean brass.
    2. Apply the paste to the brass jewelry and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
    3. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the lemon and salt to work on the tarnish.
    4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm water.
    5. Dry the jewelry completely with a soft cloth.

    Method 3: Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

    1. Create a paste using equal parts of vinegar and salt, then add flour to thicken the mixture.
    2. Apply the paste to the brass jewelry and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
    3. Rinse the jewelry under warm water.
    4. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

    Method 4: Ketchup

    1. Apply a small amount of ketchup to the brass jewelry. The natural acids in ketchup can help remove tarnish.
    2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
    3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
    4. Rinse thoroughly under warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the brass.
  • Polish the jewelry with a specialized brass polish for extra shine after cleaning, if desired.
  • Remember, if your brass jewelry has gemstones or other delicate components, you should be extra cautious with the cleaning method you choose to avoid damaging them.

    Cleaning stainless steel jewelry is straightforward and can be done with a few simple household items.

    Basic Cleaning

    1. Warm Water and Soap: Mix warm water with a mild dishwashing soap to create a soapy solution. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime.
    2. Soft Cloth or Brush: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry.
    3. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the stainless steel.
    4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse your jewelry thoroughly under clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the jewelry completely with a clean, dry cloth. Water spots can mar the appearance of stainless steel, so make sure it's thoroughly dried.

    Dealing with Tarnish or Stains
    While stainless steel is resistant to tarnishing, it can get stained or show fingerprints.

    1. Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water, with a consistency not too runny to stick to the jewelry. Apply the paste with a soft cloth and rub gently in a circular motion.
    2. Vinegar for Hard Water Stains: If your jewelry has hard water stains, you can use white vinegar. Soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the stained area for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

    Polishing
    For added shine, you can use your included jewelry polishing cloth designed for stainless steel.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance
    Always avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as they can damage stainless steel.
    Be cautious with jewelry featuring gemstones or intricate designs, as harsh cleaning can dislodge stones or damage settings.

    Cleaning sterling silver jewelry can be done at home with some simple materials and methods. Here are a few effective ways to clean your sterling silver pieces:

    Mild Soap and Water

    1. Prepare a Solution: Mix a bit of mild, phosphate-free, and ammonia-free soap with warm water.
    2. Soak: Place your sterling silver jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
    3. Gentle Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to gently scrub the jewelry.
    4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry under cool running water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

    Baking Soda Paste

    1. Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
    2. Apply Gently: Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste to the jewelry. For detailed or textured pieces, you might use a soft-bristled brush to get into the crevices.
    3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry well and dry it with a soft cloth.

    Silver Polishing Cloth
    Use a silver polishing cloth specifically designed for sterling silver. These cloths are treated with a silver cleaner and are very effective for quick touch-ups and regular maintenance.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Regular Wear: Regular wear can help prevent tarnish on sterling silver jewelry due to the oils in your skin.
  • Storage: Store sterling silver in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your sterling silver jewelry before using household cleaners or when swimming in chlorinated water.
  • Cleaning gold vermeil jewelry requires gentle care to maintain its luster without damaging the gold layer. Here's a step-by-step guide to clean your gold vermeil pieces.

    1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a bowl. It's important to use a non-abrasive, chemical-free soap to avoid damaging the gold plating.
    2. Soak the Jewelry: Place your gold vermeil jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt and residue.
    3. Gentle Cleaning: After soaking, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or a very soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently clean the jewelry. Be very careful around stones or intricate designs to avoid loosening any settings or detailing.
    4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your jewelry under lukewarm running water to remove any soap residue. Ensure the water flow is gentle to avoid any potential damage, and never use hot water as it can affect the adhesive used in some jewelry.
    5. Dry Carefully: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it. Avoid using paper-based products like tissues or paper towels for drying, as they can scratch the surface of the gold vermeil.

    Polishing
    If your jewelry needs a bit of extra shine, you can use your special jewelry polishing cloth designed for gold. Gently rub the surface to restore shine. Avoid using liquid polish as it can be too harsh for the gold vermeil.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Storage: Store your gold vermeil jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It's best to keep it in a soft-lined jewelry box or a pouch to prevent scratches and tarnishing. You can also put anti-tarnish strips in the storage area to help maintain the shine.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your gold vermeil jewelry before swimming, bathing, or doing household chores to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals or potential physical damage.
  • General Care

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep your beaded jewelry away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, as this can fade and damage some beads.
  • Prevent Contact with Chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and other chemicals can damage or discolor beads, especially porous ones like pearls or natural stones. Apply these products before wearing your jewelry.
  • Proper Storage: Store your beaded jewelry separately in a jewelry box or soft pouches to prevent scratching and tangling. Storing them in a cool, dry place is best.
  • Wearing with Care: Be mindful when wearing beaded jewelry. Avoid wearing it during physical activities like sports, gardening, or any tasks that might expose it to damage.
  • Cleaning Beaded Jewelry
    For Non-Porous Beads (like glass, metal, or plastic):

    1. Mild Soap Solution: Prepare a mild soap solution using warm water and a few drops of gentle soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents.
    2. Soft Cloth or Brush: Dip a soft, lint-free cloth or a very soft brush into the solution and gently clean the beads. For intricate pieces, you might use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach small crevices.
    3. Rinse with Care: Rinse the jewelry under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Avoid high pressure, which could dislodge the beads.
    4. Dry Thoroughly: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth, then lay it out on a towel to air dry completely before storing. Avoid using heat to dry.

    For Porous Beads (like pearls, wood, or natural stones):

  • Dry Wipe: Instead of using water, simply wipe down porous beads with a soft, dry cloth. Moisture can penetrate these beads, potentially causing damage.
  • Minimal Water: If absolutely necessary, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water, but avoid getting porous beads too wet.
  • No Chemicals: Do not use any soaps or cleaners on porous beads, as they can absorb the chemicals and sustain damage.
  • Air Dry: If you've used any water, let the jewelry air dry completely on a soft cloth before storing.
  • Pearls
    They require special care, including wearing them often to benefit from the body's natural oils, which keep them lustrous.

    Silver Beads
    Use a silver polishing cloth to maintain shine and prevent tarnish.

    Cleaning brass jewelry involves a few simple steps, and you can often use household items to do it.

    Method 1: Soap and Water

    1. Mix a mild dishwashing soap with warm water in a bowl.
    2. Soak the brass jewelry in the soapy water for a few minutes.
    3. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or tarnish.
    4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm running water.
    5. Dry the jewelry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.

    Method 2: Lemon and Salt

    1. Make a paste using lemon juice and salt. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt can effectively clean brass.
    2. Apply the paste to the brass jewelry and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
    3. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the lemon and salt to work on the tarnish.
    4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm water.
    5. Dry the jewelry completely with a soft cloth.

    Method 3: Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

    1. Create a paste using equal parts of vinegar and salt, then add flour to thicken the mixture.
    2. Apply the paste to the brass jewelry and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
    3. Rinse the jewelry under warm water.
    4. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

    Method 4: Ketchup

    1. Apply a small amount of ketchup to the brass jewelry. The natural acids in ketchup can help remove tarnish.
    2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
    3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
    4. Rinse thoroughly under warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

    Tips for Care and Maintenance

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the brass.
  • Polish the jewelry with a specialized brass polish for extra shine after cleaning, if desired.
  • Remember, if your brass jewelry has gemstones or other delicate components, you should be extra cautious with the cleaning method you choose to avoid damaging them.