Your Art & Soul pieces are made to wear and love.

Here's how to keep them looking beautiful for years.

Everyday Cleaning

Warm water with a tiny bit of mild dish soap is your friend. Gently wash, rinse well, and dry immediately with a soft cloth — don't let moisture sit. For routine shine:

• Silver & Copper: Use a yellow Sunshine polishing cloth. Just a few gentle passes brings back the glow. You can grab one here: https://www.cindysartandsoul.com/products/sunshine-brand-polishing-cloths-for-jewelry-care  For a matte finish, polishing pads are perfect — they're what I use in the studio. Always use them dry, and they won't wear through hand-worked surfaces like harsher methods might. You can grab them here: https://www.cindysartandsoul.com/products/polishing-pads-for-jewelry-care
• Gold Fill, Bronze & Brass: Use a blue Sunshine polishing cloth — it's the gentlest option and keeps that beautiful shine without stripping anything away.

For stubborn tarnish, very fine 0000 steel wool works on silver and copper, but use it gently and always rinse thoroughly after to remove any fibers. Again, if you have texture or hand-forging details, go light — you want to preserve the character of the piece, not sand it smooth. Never use on stones or the glass as it can scratch the surface. Use with care. 

Storage Matters

Store pieces in small baggies or a jewelry box when you're not wearing them. Baggies minimize air exposure, which slows tarnishing naturally. If you're storing multiple pieces together, tuck a tiny bit of tissue paper between them so they don't scratch each other. Keep your storage spot dry — bathrooms are humid and speed up oxidation, so find a cooler, drier corner instead.

What to Avoid

• Perfume, lotions, and body products can speed tarnishing. Apply these before putting on your jewelry.
• Chlorine (pools) and salt water accelerate oxidation faster than regular wear. Take off your pieces before swimming.
• Skip cream cleansers, harsh abrasives, ultrasonic cleaners, bleach, acetone, and the dishwasher. None of these are your friend.
• Regular hand soap and hand sanitizer are fine — harsh industrial soaps and degreasers aren't.

About Tarnishing

Tarnish is just natural oxidation. It's not a flaw or a sign you're doing something wrong. It's part of the material's story. Some people love the aged patina on copper and choose to let it darken. Others prefer to keep everything bright and polished. Both are totally valid! The choice is yours, and your pieces will be beautiful either way.

The 24/7 Thing

Most of your jewelry can handle everyday wear — showers, hand washing, all of it. Just know that tarnishing will still happen over time, especially on silver and copper. It's normal and easy to refresh. The only real no-go is anything that combines heat with moisture (dishwashers, hot tubs) or harsh chemicals over long periods.

One More Thing

Each piece is made by hand in my Pacific Northwest studio. Treat it with the same intentionality and care you'd give to anything handmade — because it is. Your jewelry will age beautifully if you do.