KMS Designs Art Jewelry Information and Resources
General information on caring for the jewelry made by Katherine Swift:
Sterling silver and resin jewelry
Once finished, Katherine's sterling silver and resin jewelry is coated with a museum quality, micro crystalline wax that makes the pieces very tarnish resistant. Pieces should be dried with a soft cloth (a cotton cloth baby diaper works well) and stored in a jewelry box or rolled up in a cloth where excess moisture can be absorbed. A piece of chalk works well in helping to retard tarnish in jewelry boses. These pieces should NEVER be placed in a tarnish remover dip as this will permanently damage the colored resin. In the event the sterling silver does require polishing, Katherine only recommends Sunshine polishing cloths or Haggerty's silversmith polish sprayed on a cloth, then rubbed on the piece.
Resin and pewter jewelry
The pewter and resin jewelry line is quite easy to care for. Should the pieces get dirty or attract fingerprints, wash lightly in a mild detergent and water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Should the ear wires tarnish, clean with a polishing cloth ONLY. Do not use a silver dip cleaner.
Scrabble tile resin jewelry
The scrabble tile jewelry is water resistant, but not waterproof. Please remove before bathing or swimming. the silver tone bail and ball chain necklace should only be spot cleaned with a tarnish removing cloth or a damp cloth. Do not place in a dip cleaner.
Katherine also offers these articles as additional resources on jewelry selection and care.
As a jewelry lover, you may know that sterling silver is an affordable and beautiful metal to add to your collection. This metal is extremely versatile for all sorts of looks, from delicate to bold. With such an affordable piece of jewelry, one would think it may not be lasting, but with proper care and cleaning procedures, you can maintain your silver jewelry to last a lifetime. More
Choosing Jewelry - Which style is most flattering for you?
The right choice of jewelry can make you feel like a dazzling superstar, even as you do your daily errands. It can enhance your best features, while drawing attention away from others. Here's an easy guide for selecting the jewelry style that is most flattering for your face and body type. More
Choosing the Best Jewelry for your Bridesmaids
Choosing the right jewelry for your bridesmaids may seem like something you can rush through, but as with every other detail of your wedding, it's important to take some time with this. The jewelry your bridesmaids wear is definitely not as high-profile as your diamond engagement ring. However, it's important to remember that every element of your wedding should conform to the look and theme you've chosen, and that includes your bridesmaid jewelry. More
How to add charms to a charm bracelet
Need to add charms to your bracelet? Find a two pairs JEWELRY PLIERS, not a regular pliers. They can be found at most craft stores, beading shops or mass merchandisers like Wal-Mart. (Chain nose pliers are the best.) More
I know people like to buy jewelry for a gifts. Ladies always seem to enjoy having a new piece of jewelry to wear! I am happy to say that a lot of my jewelry gets bought for gifts. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences with customers to help them make the best decisions for purchasing jewelry for someone else. More
How to choose jewelry that enhances your appearance
Jewelry has been worn for centuries as a means to enhance appearance as well a show one status. From crude jewelry made from natural elements like wood and grass to quality made pieces using precious metals and gemstones to suit royalty, jewelry has been a good way to add to your looks for thousands of years. More
Gold has always been the most popular material used in the world of jewelry. It can be of several types depending on the alloys used: yellow, white or rose gold. But no matter what type of gold jewelry you have they all need care. The ways of cleaning almost any gold jewelry is quite the same. More
Caring for and cleaning jewelry doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is important that you do so carefully to prevent damage and possibly help to ensure a longer life. Well cared for jewelry will stand the test of time and have a much nicer appearance than jewelry that is generally left to collect dust and grime without being cleaned. The exact technique you use to clean and care for your jewelry will depend on the item itself. More
How to keep sterling silver jewelry free of tarnish
In the process of designing, constructing and selling sterling silver jewelry to customers, I am often asked how to keep the jewelry clean and free of tarnish. Here are a few of my recommendations along with customer mistakes (and how to fix them!). More