I take great pride and maintain high standards in the craftsmanship and longevity of my jewelry designs. You will find that Swarovski crystals are very durable and long lasting, however the treatment of your jewelry will aid in it’s longevity so that it's beautiful sparkle and shine will last for years to come. In order that you may enjoy your Star Shine Designs pieces for as long as possible, here are some suggestions for taking care of them.

*Last on/first off. Wait for lotions, creams and perfumes to dry before putting on your jewelry.

If some lotion should happen to get on your crystals or if they start to look dull, just put a small amount of hand or dish soap with water in your hands and rub gently. Then rinse and towel dry gently with a soft cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them.

*It’s best not to sleep, shower, swim or exercise with your jewelry on.

*Do not pull, tug or twist your jewelry, especially by the crystals.

Sterling Silver care

Care should be taken to prevent tarnish build-up, a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with the sulfur in the air. To help prevent tarnish of sterling silver, store in a zip lock plastic bag with the air pressed out of it. If you should notice some dulling, tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible.

Which cleaner to use?

I have had good luck just putting a little windex on a terry cloth towel and wiping the jewelry with it to get off any body oils and dirt. I notice that majority of tarnish can be removed this way.

I have also had good experience with using Connoisseurs brand Silver Jewelry Cleaner, Gold Jewelry Cleaner, and Delicate Jewelry Cleaner. These are cleaners are just a few dollars and have a dipping basket with a small brush. I have seen the Connoisseurs brand at Wallmart and many mall jewelry stores. I find they work most effectively when you use the appropriate type of cleaner for the type of jewelry you are cleaning. The Connoisseurs Sterling Silver cleaner is awesome at brightening dull sterling and it will also brighten up and not harm your crystals. However, do not use the Connoisseurs Sterling cleaner on any jewelry withsemi precious stones, as they will become damaged. Rather, use the Delicate Jewelry Cleaner or a silver polishing cloth on just the silver parts.

Although wearing your sterling silver jewelry often is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, regular cleanings will prevent tarnish and keep your silver bright and beautiful for years to come.