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How to Care for Your Wire Wrapped Treasure

Posted by Ischa Lawrence on

Since I use natural, uncoated wire (meaning it is NOT "tarnish-resistant"), your wire wrapped jewelry piece will tarnish with age. I love this aspect of it, but not everybody does. 

Keep reading to find out some of my favorite methods of keeping your piece looking like new.

How to polish copper WITHOUT fossils or shell-like stones:

***If your piece of jewelry has a fossil or shell-like stone (i.e., pearls and ammonites), Do Not use this method; it will be Ruined!

Simply soak your piece in Lemon Juice until it "looks" shiny again. This will usually take a few minutes. DON'T soak overnight! Take your piece out and run it under warm water and wipe dry with a non-abrasive cloth. That's it!

You can use anything acidic to clean your copper (vinegar, ketchup, etc.). I find that the lemon juice smells the nicest and is the "cleanest" method.

How to polish copper WITH fossils or shell-like stones:

***Don't use anything acidic as this will ruin the polish of your fossils or pearls. Unfortunately, I had to find out the hard way.

The best way I've found so far is to rub it using a soft jeweler's cloth or wash it under warm water with dish soap.

If you find a better or effortless way, let me know!

How to polish .925 Sterling Silver:

Tools you'll need are:

  • A small pot (preferably something you won't use for food again)
  • Aluminum foil 
  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • A fork or tongs to grab your jewelry piece with
  • Access to a stove or fire so you can boil your water
    1. Simply line your pot with one sheet of aluminum foil.
    2. Place your piece(s) in the pot.
    3. Fill with water until the piece(s) is covered.
    4. Pour baking soda over your piece(s), making sure it is covered with the soda.
    5. Put the pan on your heat source and boil the water.
    6. Watch your piece shine!
    7. Remove your piece from the pot using your fork or tongs (Be careful, it will be boiling hot!)
    8. Rinse under cold water and use a toothbrush to get all of the baking soda debris off.

Here's an instructional video I found on Instagram!

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