0
0

My Cart

Your Shopping Cart is Empty

0
0

My Cart

Your Shopping Cart is Empty

My Cart

Jewelry Care

Polished Brass Jewelry

Gentle cleaning of uncoated polished brass jewelry with mild soapy water, soft cloths, and a very soft brush

Hinkik brass jewelry is made from polished brass without an anti-tarnish coating. Its color may gradually deepen or develop a natural patina when exposed to air, humidity, perspiration, and cosmetics.

  1. After wearing, wipe away perspiration and skin oils with a clean microfiber or soft cloth.
  2. For visible dirt, mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water, or use a jewelry cleaner whose label clearly states that it is suitable for brass.
  3. Clean gently with a soft cloth or an extremely soft-bristled brush, paying particular attention to recessed details.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap or cleaning-solution residue.
  5. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow the piece to dry completely before storing.
  6. If tarnish develops, gently rub the brass with a jewelry polishing cloth specifically labeled as suitable for brass.
  7. For pieces containing pearls, gemstones, or enamel, clean only the brass areas carefully and avoid rubbing delicate components.

Note: Toothpaste, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and coarse abrasive materials are not recommended. They can scratch the brass or create an uneven finish. Frequent polishing can gradually soften fine details, so polish only when necessary.

Sterling Silver 925 Jewelry

Gentle care of plain sterling silver 925 jewelry using a dedicated silver polishing cloth and mild soapy water

Sterling silver 925 can tarnish when exposed to air, humidity, perspiration, chlorine, or sulfur-containing materials. This guidance applies to genuine sterling silver 925 and does not apply to brass jewelry with rhodium or silver-colored plating.

  1. After wearing, gently wipe away perspiration and skin oils with a soft cloth or a dedicated silver polishing cloth.
  2. For visible dirt, mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water, or use a cleaner whose label states that it is suitable for sterling silver 925.
  3. For plain silver without pearls, delicate gemstones, or glued components, use a soft cloth or an extremely soft-bristled brush to clean recessed areas gently.
  4. Rinse the piece in a container of clean water. Avoid rinsing directly over an open drain.
  5. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  6. If tarnish remains, use a silver polishing cloth or a non-abrasive silver cleaner according to its label.
  7. Store each piece separately in a dry pouch or box to reduce tarnish and prevent scratches.

Note: Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, bleach, chlorine, or abrasive cleaners. Pieces containing pearls, moonstone, opal, delicate gemstones, or intentionally oxidized finishes should not be soaked or rubbed with a silver polishing cloth. Wipe only the metal areas gently or ask a jewelry professional to clean the piece.

Plated Jewelry

Gentle dry-cloth and barely damp-cloth care for gold-plated and rhodium-plated jewelry

Gold-plated, rhodium-plated, silver-plated, and rose-gold-plated jewelry has a thin metal layer on the surface. Friction, soaking, and strong chemicals can cause the plating to fade or wear away prematurely.

  1. After wearing, gently wipe away perspiration, skin oils, and dust with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  2. If dirt remains, dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a very small amount of mild soap, or use a cleaner clearly labeled as safe for that specific type of plating.
  3. Wipe the surface gently without scrubbing, and do not immerse the jewelry in water.
  4. Use a separate clean, barely damp cloth to remove any soap or cleaner residue.
  5. Pat dry immediately and allow the piece to dry completely before storing.
  6. Store pieces separately in a dry pouch or box to protect them from humidity and scratches.

Note: Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, silver polish, metal polish, abrasive brushes, treated polishing cloths, alcohol, chlorine, and harsh chemicals. Plated jewelry should not be soaked or placed in an ultrasonic cleaner because the plating, enamel, or glued components may be damaged.

Cleaning with a Small Ultrasonic Cleaner

Small ultrasonic jewelry cleaner prepared with compatible plain sterling silver and uncoated polished brass pieces

An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge oils, dust, and dirt from small recesses. It is not suitable for every piece of jewelry and cannot remove scratches or restore worn plating.

Before use, check the cleaning solution:

  • The label must state that the solution is suitable for ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Confirm that the solution is compatible with every metal and material in the jewelry.
  • Follow the dilution ratio, contact time, and warnings on the label.
  • Do not use flammable liquids, bleach, chlorine, strong acids or alkalis, ammonia, or solutions with unknown ingredients.
  • If the label does not specifically list the material, do not use the solution until its manufacturer confirms compatibility.
  • When using a new solution, test it first on a small, inconspicuous area whenever practical.

Jewelry that may be suitable:

  • Uncoated polished brass without pearls, gemstones, enamel, or glued components.
  • Plain sterling silver 925 without gemstones or delicate components.
  • Other solid-metal jewelry only when both the cleaner and solution manufacturers confirm compatibility.
  • Pieces with no cracks, loose joints, unstable clasps, or insecure settings.

How to use the cleaner:

  1. Inspect the settings, joints, clasps, and components. Do not use the machine if anything is loose or cracked.
  2. Add clean water and the cleaning solution in the exact ratio stated on the label. Do not make the solution stronger than directed.
  3. Place the jewelry in the machine's basket so that it does not rest directly on the bottom of the tank.
  4. Begin with the shortest cycle recommended by the machine manufacturer and avoid running several cycles consecutively.
  5. After the cycle, remove the jewelry and rinse away residue with clean water only if the material can safely be rinsed.
  6. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow the piece to dry completely before storing.
  7. Inspect the settings, joints, clasps, and components again after cleaning.
  8. If you notice discoloration, cracking, or loosened components, stop using the cleaner and have the jewelry inspected by a professional.

Do not place the following in an ultrasonic cleaner:

  • Gold-plated, rhodium-plated, silver-plated, or rose-gold-plated jewelry.
  • Jewelry containing enamel or glued components.
  • Pearls, coral, amber, and other porous organic materials.
  • Moonstone, opal, emerald, turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite, topaz, or other gems sensitive to heat and vibration.
  • Fracture-filled, coated, dyed, or otherwise treated gemstones whose care requirements are uncertain.
  • Antique jewelry, intentionally oxidized finishes, specialty surface finishes, or pieces with loose settings.

Even if a cleaning solution is described as gentle or suitable for pearls, use it to clean pearls by hand only. Do not place pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner, because vibration and heat can damage the pearl surface or the stringing material.

If you are uncertain about the metal, gemstone, plating, treatment, or cleaning solution, do not use the ultrasonic cleaner. Choose gentle hand cleaning with a soft cloth or ask a jewelry professional for advice.