We use the best possible materials in our keepsakes: Sterling Silver, solid 14K Gold, 14k 1/20 Gold Filled, lead-free Pewter, and genuine Swarovski Crystal. When not in use, it is recommended that you store your jewelry in the sealed ziploc bag that it arrived in. This keeps out air which leads to oxidation and tarnish in precious metals.

We recommend that you do NOT wear this jewelry 24/7. With nonstop wear, sterling silver is subject to work hardening and brittleness, which will cause it to break easier. With beaded bracelets, constant wear and water exposure will cause the beading wire to soften, fray, and break easier. We recommend that beaded bracelets be restrung every year to preserve the integrity and durability of the bracelet.

To extend the life of your jewelry, do not wear to bed, in the shower, hot tub or pool. Remove bracelets before doing housework or labor intensive work. Chemicals may discolor and erode the surface of the metals.

Some regular care and cleaning may be necessary to maintain the appearance that your pieces had when they first arrived:

~Swarovski Crystals- may be cleaned with a mild dishwashing soap, warm water, and soft cloth. Dry immediately to avoid water spots. Swarovski crystals are very hard and may scratch softer stones or metals.

~14K Gold Filled- this is a material with a thick layer of genuine 14k gold fused with heat and pressure to the surface of a base metal. It is much more durable than gold plating. It may also tarnish slighly and can be cleaned with a mild dishwashing soap or tarnish remover, warm water, and soft cloth. Do not use any abrasives. Dry immediately to avoid water spots.

~ Sterling Silver- may be cleaned with a silver polishing compound. We recommend the Sunshine Polishing Cloth, sold in the Gift Wrapping category. This is the only silver cleaner we use. Sterling Silver is a soft metal which can easily scratch. Take care not to have it touch other metals or stones that will marr the surface. When exposed to heat and humidity, and even sweat, sterling silver will oxidize faster and may turn very dark or dirty looking. This is a common problem in hot weather and with pieces that lay on the skin, like necklace pendants and charms. However, this can easily be removed with silver polisher or the Sunshine Cloth. Through regular use, sterling will develop its own patina instead of the high polish surface it came with. This is normal and to be expected.

~Small Footprints Charms- We use a blackend patina on the Small Footprints Charm, which may lighten over time and wear. Take care not to unnecessarily rub or touch the front of the charm, and do not use a silver polisher or chemicals which may remove the patina. As with any jewelry, do not shower, bathe, or go in pool or hottub with your Footprints Charm. Should the patina come off, you may send it back to us for a touch up at no cost.