Care Guides For Our Jewelry.
At Mother Medusa we pride ourselves on the high quality of our materials. We only stock metals like stainless/ surgical steel, titanium, copper and 925 sterling silver. These metals will have lifelong last when they receive the proper maintenance and care. Here we will discuss the benefits for each of these materials and their recommended cleaning and storage protocols so you can keep them in like-new condition years after their purchase.
Stainless Steel
Benefits
Stainless steel is hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. It is a very tough, heavy, and durable material with high impact resistance. It can withstand daily wear without sustaining scratches or tarnishing. It is made from 70% scrap metal and is 100% recyclable.
Cleaning
Since stainless steel will not tarnish the only maintenance required is occasional gentle cleaning with soapy water as needed. Place your stainless jewelry in warm water with a small amount of dish soap for a 5-10 minute soak, then gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth or soft-bristled tooth brush. If there’s significant stains/grime you can scrub with a paste made of baking soda and water instead of soapy water. Please note the use of harsh cleaning chemicals can cause damage to the surface. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and wipe completely dry after washing. Between washing you can polish with a microfiber cloth to maintain its shine but make sure not to over-polish. If desired there are polishing solutions available. Make sure the polish you choose is certified for stainless steel.
Storage
In a perfect world the ideal storage for stainless jewelry is in soft cloth pouches for protection, however within a small Ziplock is perfectly fine. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or next to anything abrasive or sharp that could scratch against the surface.
Surgical Steel
Benefits
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel that’s medical grade. It has a higher chromium content which makes it more durable and resistant to corrosion. There are small amounts of nickel added for increased high-temperature resistance when sterilizing. It is even more hypoallergenic than stainless steel, making it the safest choice for body piercings.
Cleaning
Surgical steel body jewelry should be taken out and cleaned regularly in the exact same manner as stainless steel with mild soapy water. It should be soaked in or swabbed with isopropyl alcohol and air-dried prior to reinsertion into a piercing.
Storage
Same storage instructions as for stainless, however make sure it has been cleaned and sterilized in alcohol prior to being stored and in a clean Ziplock/soft cloth pouch. Make sure to keep away from direct sunlight and abrasive materials.
Titanium
Benefits
Titanium is a naturally occurring corrosion resistant metal that is nickel-free and hypoallergenic. It is lighter than stainless steel with a higher strength to weight ratio. It is biocompatible, often used in medical and dental implants which reduces strain on fresh piercings.
Cleaning
Exact same cleaning protocols as stainless/surgical steel, however there are also Titanium-specific polishing solutions available if desired.
Storage
Same storage protocols as for stainless/surgical steel.
Sterling Silver
Benefits
Silver is a durable metal, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of frequent use. Being a precious metal, it holds its worth over time, giving it investment value. It is highly malleable, which makes it easily reshaped or adjusted. Silver is generally hypoallergenic and has natural anti-bacterial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth.
Cleaning
Silver will tarnish naturally with wear and will need regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine. Factors that speed up the tarnishing process are humidity, coastal climates with salty air, chemicals from cosmetics and hair products, and sweat/body oils. To counteract this regularly wipe silver with a jewelry polishing cloth. Remove silver jewelry prior to showering, bathing, or swimming. Do not use any liquid cleaner as it may cause permanent damage. Optionally you can add a silver polishing compound with a proper silver polishing cloth to increase its luster.
Storage
Store it in a cool and dry place, preferably in an airtight bag/Ziplock and wrapped in anti-tarnish tissue paper which your silver jewelry will arrive wrapped in. Avoid stacking anything on top of it or keeping it too close to anything abrasive.
Copper
Benefits
Copper was the first discovered metal on Earth. As the second-most used metal to date it is the base component in alloy metals like brass and bronze. It’s durability and unique colouring makes it ideal for jewelry making. It is anti-microbial and anti-fungal which keeps it clean and hypoallergenic (unless a copper allergy is present).
Cleaning
Copper is prone to tarnishing and requires regular cleaning and polishing. It will tarnish faster when exposed to dust/dirt, heat, moisture, airborne pollutants, and acidic substances. Make sure to take off copper jewelry before showering, swimming, or any possible chemical exposure. It can be washed with the same protocol as stainless steel; however, it is very important that there is no moisture lingering before it is stored. When tarnished, if the piece DOES NOT include a set stone, you can also soak copper in lemon juice or vinegar for 20 minutes.
Storage
Make sure that there is no moisture on the piece before it is stored. Seal in an airtight bag (Ziplock) and store in a cool, dry place. Wrapping in anti-tarnish tissue paper before storage is best.
Now that you’re fully equipped to care for your new favorite embellishments, we hope you feel confident in your future purchases and jewelry hygiene.
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