how to. maintain your copper and silver jewelry

Give Your Copper a Refresh With This Simple Recipe

Handcrafted in Virginia

Wire-Wrapped Jewelry, Made by Hand & Made to Last

Explore my copper and sterling silver collections — each piece one of a kind.

At Carrie Foscato Design, I know how much you treasure your jewelry pieces, and I'm committed to helping you keep them as stunning as the day you first put them on. Whether it's a cherished necklace, a pair of earrings, or a custom bracelet, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving their brilliance. Luckily, maintaining your jewelry's shine doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, with a few common household items, you can keep your pieces looking their best. Below is my favorite remedy for bare copper and silver.

✨ The Wonder of Vinegar and Salt

You might be surprised to learn that you can restore the shine to your jewelry using a simple combination of vinegar, salt, and tinfoil. This method is especially effective for copper and silver jewelry, which tends to tarnish over time due to exposure to air and moisture. Here's how you can do it at home:

Ingredients:


- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- A small bowl or dish

Instructions:

1. Add Salt: Sprinkle the tablespoon of salt into microwave safe bowl.

2. Pour Vinegar: Pour the cup of white vinegar into the bowl. 

3. Microwave Salt & Vinegar for 15-30 seconds.

4. Soak Your Jewelry: Place your silver jewelry pieces into the bow. Dip them for 3-5 seconds. If your pieces are heavily tarnished, you can let them sit a bit longer. Watch closely! Too long and the acid of the vinegar will dull your pieces.

5. Rinse and Dry: After soaking, remove your jewelry from the solution and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry with a soft cloth to reveal the restored shine.

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While you're here

Treat yourself to something beautiful.

Every piece I make is wire-wrapped by hand — no two are ever exactly alike. Browse my copper and sterling silver collections and find the one that speaks to you.

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✨ Tips for Jewelry Care


While this method is fantastic for removing tarnish from bare metal pieces, regular care will help keep your jewelry in top condition. Here are a few additional tips:

- Store Jewelry Properly: Keep your pieces in a dry, cool place, ideally in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent exposure to air and moisture.

- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or using beauty products that contain harsh chemicals, as these can damage the metal and stones.

- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your jewelry after each wear with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and residues.

Here's a quick video I did to demonstrate: Click here

Before and after comparison of copper bracelets on a wrist against a green background

***If ordering Protectaclear sealed jewelry, it is very important to keep your items out of water, especially hot water. This will breakdown the sealant as well as chemicals from personal products.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Carrie Foscato Design jewelry remains as beautiful as the day you bought it. If you ever have any questions about caring for your pieces, don't hesitate to reach out—I'm always here to help!

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A little gift, just for you.

Use this code at checkout for 15% off your first order:

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Ready to shop? Explore my collections:

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#SilverJewelry #JewelryTips #JewelryMaintenance #TarnishRemoval#JewelryLover #HandmadeJewelry #CarrieFoscatoDesign

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