FAQ

How can I pay?

We use PayPal as our payment processor, so we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Or, you can pay using your PayPal balance.

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Is your site secure?

Yes. You pay through PayPal, the world's premier electronic payment solution, not through this site. We never even see your credit card number; PayPal just tells us that you've paid and we ship you your stuff. We get your money through PayPal later.

 

Do I have to have a PayPal account to buy?

No, you can pay with your credit card without a PayPal account.

 

How do I clean and care for my finished jewelry?

Wet media tumbling (with steel shot and burnishing compound) is one of the best and fastest cleaning methods that works for many types of jewery.  See my tutorial on tumbling for more information.

Silver-color Aluminum and Stainless Steel:

Use hot water and dish soap with the jewelry in a plastic, sealed container; shake vigorously.  Rinse off soap under running hot water.  Dry with a hair dryer on a cool setting immediately to prevent water spots and dullness.

Copper, Bronze, Jewelry Brass, Yellow Brass:

Using distilled vinegar or lemon juice from the bottle, quickly dip the jewelry items and swish or swirl it around.  Remove jewelry immediately and wash off the vinegar or lemon juice with dish soap and cool water.  Dry with a hair dryer on a cool setting immediately until completely dry to prevent water spots and oxidation.

Enameled Copper:

Wash in tepid water with dish soap and dry immediately.

Anodized Aluminum:

Wash in tepid water with dish soap and dry immediately.  Do not use polishing cremes or polishing cloths on this metal as it will rub the colored finish off.

Rubber:

Every few months, very sparingly spray Armor All directly on jewelry and rub into rubber parts with fingers.  Dry thoroughly with paper towel, removing excess.

Gold, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver and Gold-fill:

  1. Use a polishing cloth for quick jobs.

  2. Use tepid water and dish soap with the jewelry in a plastic sealed container; shake vigorously.  Rinse soap off under running cool water.  Use a toothbrush with soap on it for trouble spots.  Rinse again.  Dry with a hair dryer on a cool setting immediately until completely dry to avoid water spots.  If still dirty, follow these instructions:

Heavy duty cleaning:

  1. Boil enough water that would be able to submerge all sterling or goldfill jewelry items. 

  2. 2. Line a shallow glass baking dish with a slightly crumpled piece of aluminum foil.

  3. Lay your jewelry on the aluminum, making sure it is full touching the foil.

  4. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the jewelry.

  5. Pour enough boiling water to immerse the jewelry. Bubbling should occur, giving off a rotten-egg odor (the sulfuric gases released by the cleaning action).

  6. Move the pieces around gentle with a wood or plastic utensil to ensure that all of the silver surfaces come in contact with the aluminum. You will notice that the silver has become bright again.

  7. Rinse the jewelry under tap water. To ensure that you don't lose small pieces like earrings and pendants, put a sieve over the drain to catch whatever may slip off your fingers.

  8. Wipe the pieces gently with an absorbent towel and polish with a soft cloth.

Fine jewelry with gemstones:

Transparent gemstones with a crystal composition and pearls can be carefully scrubbed with a soft toothbrush and dish soap.  You can omit the toothbrush if desired and just soak these items in soapy water.  Dry on a soft cloth.

Opaque gemstones are more porous and can absorb many chemicals or cleaning agents which will affect the look of the stone.  Many cannot be cleaned with soap and water (i.e. Malachite, Lapis, Turquoise), so they may only be cleaned with a soft cloth.

Costume and Vintage Jewelry:

Dry method with a very soft toothbrush is best to avoid removing flaked finishes and enameling.  If needed, use cool water and soap to rub dirt off with hands.  Dry immediately as lingering moisture can cause damage.

Rhinestone Jewelry:

A soft cloth with a touch of alcohol is best, but be careful not to touch the foil backing.  Water, nor soap is a good idea as these can cause the foil backing to separate from the jewel.