Jewelry Care

We want to ensure you're happy with your KeiStone piece from the time you first try it on and for years to come.

To meet this goal, we have created this guide to help you take the best care of your jewelry. We would like to note that stainless steel pieces offer amazing water resistance and awesome durability for the most active lifestyles! Scroll to learn more about the metal your piece was crafted in and how to properly care for it.

*Stop by our shop for a free cleaning, anytime!*

General Tips:

  1. Jewelry should be the last thing put on when getting dressed, and the first thing taken off at the end of the day to prevent damage.
  2. Clean your jewelry regularly to prevent dermatitis from dirt, sweat and oil buildup.
  3. Perfumes, lotions, sweat, and other moisture will oxidize your jewelry faster.
  4. DO NOT use toothpaste, peroxide, or any other solutions not marketed for cleaning jewelry. Why? Toothpaste is an abrasive, and may leave permanent scratches. Hydrogen peroxide is highly corrosive and will bore holes in your jewelry. This damage is NOT repairable. Instead, use a solution of gentle dish soap and warm water.

Stainless Steel:

Cleaning - Gently rub the surface of your jewelry with a soft, lint free cloth such as microfiber (eyeglass cleaning cloths work well) to remove emollients, dirt, and other debris that have built up during the day. 

If your piece requires more cleaning, dip the cloth in a small solution of warm water and mild dish soap and gently wipe the piece. Dry afterwards with a clean towel, and leave to air dry.

Storage - Although it does not tarnish, stain, or corrode, it can be scratched or dented if abused and may seriously damage other jewelry if stored haphazardly. The pouch included in your order is a great option for storing your pieces individually to keep them from scratching your other jewelry pieces.

Sterling Silver:

Cleaning - Gently rub the surface of your jewelry with a soft, lint free cloth such as microfiber (eyeglass cleaning cloths work well) to remove oils, dirt, and other debris that have built up during the day. Occasional polishing with a silver polishing cloth will be needed to buff away minor scratches and tarnish that naturally occurs over time. These can be purchased in our shop and at most local jewelers.

If your piece requires more cleaning, dip the cloth in a small solution of warm water and mild dish soap and gently wipe the piece. Dry immediately afterwards with a clean towel, and leave to air dry. You may also use silver cleaner purchased from a local jeweler to remove dirt and tarnish that occurs naturally over time.

Storage - Sterling silver is much less durable than stainless steel. The pouch or box included in your order is a great option for storing your pieces individually to keep them from being scratched by other pieces. 

To remove minor scratches, gently rub with a silver polishing cloth (can be purchased at a local jeweler).

Copper and Brass:

Cleaning - KeiStone copper and brass pieces are coated with a sealant to resist tarnish, but this coat can wear off over time (depending on wear). Naturally, these metals change color (patina) over time from an earthy red-orange to green to ultimately brown and brass does the same. One way you can clean this patina off by mixing white vinegar and a bit of salt in a bowl, and use a cloth or soft bristled brush dipped in this to rub way the tarnished areas. Be careful around the stones, as the acidic solution could harm more delicate stones.

Storage - Storing copper and brass pieces inside a plastic, airtight bag in a cool, dry area (such as a jewelry box) to prevent tarnish. Avoid moisture.

 

*An alternative to the above cleaning methods is to purchase gentle jewelry cleaner from a local jeweler and follow the instructions on the package.

Currently, KeiStone pieces are handcrafted mainly in stainless steel and sterling silver. As opposed to gold and platinum, these metals allow us to control pricing without sacrificing quality.

Metals

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium. As someone whose ears get itchy even with sterling silver, Kei handcrafts most pieces using surgical grade steel which is a waterproof metal considered hypoallergenic due to it being free of copper and nickel. It is highly durable, tarnish resistant, and typically has a silver sheen, but, unlike silver, it will not corrode and is rigid, so it stands the test of time well. 

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a precious metal that is much softer than steel. However, the added metals make it stronger than gold which means it will hold up well to daily wear. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and is considered hypoallergenic, though it may contain trace amounts of nickel (which could cause irritation in highly sensitive skin types).

Copper

Copper is the oldest metal found in nature that has been mined and prized since prehistoric times. The copper used in KeiStone designs is not alloyed (mixed with other metals) but is sealed with a coating to resist water and tarnish. This coating means that you won't get the green staining on your skin copper commonly causes (which is completelly harmless) until that coating wears off (usually around 3 months, depending on wear).

Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc which resembles the color of gold. Some elements of a few KeiStone pieces are acquired by disassembling and repurposing old brass jewelry. Due to it containing copper, this metal also leaves a green stain on skin. However, brass elements in KeiStone pieces are sealed with a tarnish and moisture resistant coating to protect it from getting a dark patina for a few months.

Meet the Artist

After leaving her salaried management career with Signet Jewelers, Keijah (Kei) created KeiStone Jewelry as a way to continue her love for jewelry and spread the joy that sentimental adornments gave her customers. She is a self-taught jeweler and lifelong artist with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She is also certified by the Gemological Institute of America and worked for years in the fine jewelry industry with notable retailers such as Zales and Kay. Today, she utilizes her natural talent and acquired knowledge to create original designs, customs, and jewelry repairs.

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