"Tarnish" is the discoloration of a metal surface (ie, sterling silver) caused by corrosion or oxidation. This is a normal process and does not damage the silver. This discoloration, or dulling, can easily be removed by rubbing the piece gently with a chemically treated polishing cloth. Do avoid polishing the Swarovski crystals on your jewelry as the chemicals in a treated cloth may remove the AB coating. Clean your crystals with mild dish soap and water and dry with a towel. Do not use tarnish-removing dips such as Tarn-X on pieces that have decorative oxidation, such as the letter blocks in Name or Mother's bracelets. Using chemical dips may remove the darkened indentations, making the letters look "washed out".
We do not recommend wearing your bracelets while doing dishes, swimming, house cleaning, or anything else where the jewelry would come into contact with chemicals or harsh soaps. Although water will not harm your bracelet, we do not recommend wearing your bracelet while showering as the moisture may just speed up the tarnishing process. Do not sleep in your jewelry.
When you are not wearing your jewelry, storing individual pieces in zip lock bags will help prevent tarnishing and damage and keep your pieces looking beautiful!
Maintenance Restringing:
Although Addictive Jewelry uses the strongest beading wire available in the industry (49-strand twisted wire coated in Nylon), with normal wear and tear it does eventually need replacing. Depending on individual lifestyle, how frequently one wears the bracelet, and wear and tear on the bracelet, Addictive Jewelry recommends that bracelets be restrung every 1-2 years. To prolong the life of your bracelet, we recommend that you don't wear your bracelet while cleaning, swimming or bathing. Chemicals used during these activities are hard on your jewelry. Hot tubs are especially bad and may permanently damage your jewelry! We also recommend that you do not sleep in your jewelry because movement during sleep causes stress to the components. Please see our FAQ page, Question #4, for details and instructions regarding maintenance restringing.
