At Gina's Artisan Treasures, we pride ourselves in the quality of gemstones, metals and other natural materials we use. Because we source natural materials, often in person, the gemstones and other natural materials used in our collections can vary at times in color, clarity, shape and size. Our jewel pieces are handmade from natural materials. Each piece will vary slightly in size, color, and shape and have different markings. We believe this adds to the beauty and makes each unique in its own way. All metals used in our pieces are lead and nickel free.

 

Primary Metal Materials

 

• Sterling Silver

• Gold Filled

• Sterling Silver Plated

• 14k and 18k Gold Plated

• Stainless Steel

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General Cleaning and Care Guidelines​

 

• To keep your jewelry looking its best, we recommend wiping down all gold pieces with soapy warm water and a jewelry cleaning cloth. Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray, applying cosmetics and/or lotion, while wearing your jewelry, as chemicals may interact with the metal. Apply these products before dressing in jewelry.

• Additionally, remove your jewelry during showering, exercise or swimming to prevent tarnishing. Chlorine, saltwater, and even everyday water can cause discoloration and wear on your pieces.

• To keep your jewelry protected when not in use, store each piece in a cool, dry place. We suggest you keep your jewelry in airtight jewelry boxes, cotton bags or zip-top plastic bags, if possible. This helps prevent scratches, tarnishing, and dust buildup.

• Due to the many different stones in our jewelry, we do not recommend using harsh cleaners on your jewelry or 'dipping' your jewelry in a solution.

• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist cloth until clean.

 

Care Instructions

Gemstones

We use semi-precious and natural stones. Often these stones can vary in shape and size, we remove most unacceptable stones prior to the making process, and do our best to utilize stones that fit the overall size, scale and quality of the finished design. Our gemstones are natural and like all natural elements, they need protection from certain conditions. They should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the stone.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls should be the last thing to put on and the first thing to take off when applying perfumes, makeup, and hairsprays. Always remove before showering and swimming in salt water and chlorinated pools.

Pearls are sensitive to heat and should not be stored in airtight containers because this can cause the pearl to dry out. They need to draw in moisture, so loosely wrapping in a soft cloth and placing in a slightly opened jewelry drawer is best.

Pearls can be cleaned gently with warm water using a soft cloth. Never scrub a pearl or use ultrasonic cleaners.

 

Crystals

Our crystals are a high quality manufactured and faceted glass that has been colored specifically for our designs. Because they are glass, they should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the crystal.

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Czech Glass & Glass Pearls

Our Czech glass components are high quality beads and components manufactured in the Czech Republic, which has been known for hundreds of years for its quality of glass designs.  Because they are glass, they should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the bead. Glass pearls should cleaned and maintained in the same manner.

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Polishing Your Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry may tarnish over time, but a quick polish will restore its shine.

Steps to Polish Silver:

• Use a silver polishing cloth or a clean, soft cloth designed for jewelry to gently buff the silver. Avoid abrasive materials, which can cause scratches.

• For a deeper clean, use a mild soap and warm water solution. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and gently rub the silver.

• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

• To pevent tarnishing, store your silver jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a cotton bag.

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By following these simple care tips, your GAT gemstone jewelry will retain its beauty and meaning for years to come.

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