I’m so grateful for the positive reception of my work within the state of Michigan and way beyond! Thanks for your interest and kindness.
The various metals and materials that I use often require some maintenance to keep the desired appearance. I want to share my favorite Metal Maintenance Tips so that you may get the most enjoyment and wearability out of your Great Lakes Art Jewelry.
Sterling Silver:
Most of you are familiar with Sterling Silver. Over time, oxidation causes a dark patina to form on your jewelry. Because there is so much texture involved in my work, I use patina to enhance the depth of that texture. That is why I recommend using a soft polishing cloth and gently rubbing the piece on the highest surfaces. Be sure to allow some patina to remain in the low points to enhance the texture.
Fine Silver:
Fine Silver oxidizes differently than Sterling Silver because of their different chemical components. Fine Silver consists of 99.9% Pure Silver while Sterling Silver is an alloy/combination of 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper. While the Copper adds strength to the metal, it also creates a much greater opportunity for oxidation.
Fine Silver does not naturally form a black patina like Sterling. Therefore, I apply a special acid called Liver of Sulfur to create the defining patina. Do not soak your Fine silver in jewelry cleaning solution; you will lose the depth of image provided by the patina.
Copper/Bronze Treated:
Your piece should require no maintenance. The metal has been sealed to prevent oxidation causing oxygen from touching the metal.
Copper/Bronze Untreated:
Copper and Bronze naturally oxidize and turn quite dark over time. Eventually, they will even form the characteristic green patina. If you want your metal with a dark or a green patina, that’s great, leave it alone.
However, if you would like to maintain the original finish, you will want to use a soft polishing cloth to polish off the high points and leave the low points dark. As with Silver, I love to use a darkening patina to accentuate the depth of the texture!
If you want to really make your piece shine, do not use a traditional jewelry soak. I recommend Brasso or your favorite polish. If you decide that you don’t like that high shine, that’s fine, your piece will oxidize again.
Scratches:
Normal wearing of jewelry will create scratches over time, especially with softer metals such as silver. This is fairly easy to remedy. I learned this trick from jewelry instructor Lexi Erickson; find a piece of Scotchbrite (or your favorite scrubbing pad) rub new scratches into your jewelry.
Yes! Create more scratches. Don’t worry, you will not ruin your jewelry.
1. Grasp the scotchbrite in your dominant hand
2. Push the Scotchbrite across your piece in the direction of the original Matte I have created (probably the Northwest Wind Matte)
3. ONLY PUSH IN ONE DIRECTION; scrubbing back and forth with make unattractive Zig-zag scratches.
4. The more well used the Scotchbrite pad, the softer and more lustrous your matte will be.
Feel free to ask questions!!! You may comment/ask here!
Notice my Signature Northwest Wind Matte; you can repair and recreate this… read on
Why I love Matte Finish:
I have owned Silver jewelry and inevitably, I add unintentional scratches. Adding a Matte Finish not only creates a more subtle, deeper luster but it serves another practical purpose: It increases the wearability of your jewelry.
When the Matte is present, those scratches caused by natural wearing are far less likely to mar the appearance of your piece.
I really want you to enjoy your Great Lakes Art Jewelry for many years to come. I want you to be proud of them and pass them down to your children as heirlooms.
Thanks again for choosing my work. 🙂
Written by Julie Maxon www.greatlakesartjewelry.com
Great Lakes Art Jewelry 