Timio 24K crafts investment jewelry®, everyday wear accessories, and more out of 24 karat gold and fine silver. Each piece is made by hand and possesses unique characteristics. Our pieces are crafted to be enjoyed and worn, not just locked away. You may be used to jewelry being “only for special occasions”, but why deny yourself the opportunity to enjoy your jewelry more? By following these easy steps detailed below, you’ll be able to keep your jewelry in great condition and clean.

Preventing Damage

As with all jewelry, it’s best to remove any rings, bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, and etcetera before you go to bed at night, exercise, or any other activity that could lead to denting or scratching. Washing dishes while wearing a ring could lead to your ring getting scratched by a pan, for example. Wearing two items that come in contact with one another, such as rings on adjoining fingers, or stacked on top of one another can lead to one or both pieces becoming damaged over time.

Part of the charm and appeal of 24 karat gold and fine silver is that they develop character over time from tiny dents and scratches that occur. Pieces with hammered texture can usually hide these marks well for a long time, unlike ones that start out matte or polished to be smooth and mirror-like. The great thing about pure 24K gold and fine silver is that they can be melted down to be remade if you desire. They retain the majority their weight and value even if remade.

For far too long the idea that “24 karat gold and fine silver are too soft to be worn” has been perpetuated and it’s simply not true. It’s discussed as if there’s jewelry that’s indestructible or impossible to scratch, which is not true either. Most of the jewelry market in the western world has been oversaturated with lower quality pieces, alloys that contain less gold and/or silver to add strength and lower cost but diminish true value and investment. Meanwhile the tradition of crafting and wearing 24 karat gold and fine silver has lived on in eastern cultures despite the passage of time and changing fashions.

Storage

Our top storage recommendation is to have each item stored in its own pouch or its own compartment in a jewelry box. Natural fiber fabrics such as 100% cotton, silk, wool, velvet (made from silk, cotton, or rayon) are best for pouches and jewelry box linings. These natural fiber materials don’t contain harmful chemicals and provide some cushioning that will protect your pieces.

When possible, store each piece separately from each other, either in its own compartment in a jewelry box or pouch. This prevents accidental scratches while being stored. Housing pieces in a pouch can also prevent abrasions if you have limited jewelry box space and want to cushion items sharing the same space.

We recommend you also secure necklaces, chains, and bracelet closures or clasps before you put your items away. This helps avoid tangling. Although if your chains or bracelets still get tangled, do not tug. Gently lay the item out on a soft surface, find the first segment of the chain that you can untangle or untwist and work on small sections until your item is fully untangled. If you panic or rush your attempts to untangle your piece, it’s more likely to become damaged.

Cleaning Instructions

For items you wear often, it’s easiest to wipe the piece down with a clean, dry, cotton cloth before you put it away after each wear.

Occasionally your accessories will seem to have lost some of their luster. Don’t worry, a simple wash with warm water and a mild dish soap will help refresh them and bring back their shine. For items with fine etchings, detailing, or harder to clean nooks and crannies, use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently lift away dirt. Do not use chemical cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners for these items. Chemical cleaners can leave spots of discoloration and ultrasonic cleaners can damage precious stones that reside within your pieces.

Pure silver, aka fine silver, tarnishes over time due to a chemical reaction to sulfur in the air. This is normal and natural, though understandably not desired for those seeking the white color and shine. For a more thorough cleaning of silver items, click through to read the Timio Tested At-Home Silver Cleaning Instructions.

When in doubt, or for stubborn grime, have the piece professionally cleaned by a trusted, local jeweler. Remember that when taking a piece to get cleaned or repaired by a local jewelry store or jeweler, you should always fill out a Take-In Form with the store representative who’s receiving your items. If the location you’re taking your 24 karat gold or fine silver does not have a formal Take-In Form or procedure, we do not advise that you have your items handled or cleaned by them. This Take-In Form and process protects your investment and details who is liable if your item is damaged during cleaning.