Catbird jewelry care is dedicated to helping you maintain and protect your jewelry. Founded in 2004, Catbird seeks to preserve iconic pieces such as vintage wedding rings, heirloom necklaces, and family heirlooms. As a small independent jeweler with a huge presence in Brooklyn, New York, Catbird’s mission is to take care of all of your jewelry needs-from cleaning to repair.
This includes everything from preventative maintenance to product evaluation and diagnosis. All work done by Catbird is guaranteed for life, so that customers can have peace of mind knowing their pieces are given the utmost attention and care.
The importance of proper jewelry care cannot be overstated. With regular maintenance and inspection, you can help ensure that your prized possessions last for generations. At Catbird Jewelry Care, you receive personalized service tailored specifically for your jewelry needs.
In addition to repairs and cleaning services such as gold-plating and detailed polishing, Catbird also offers evaluation services if you suspect any hidden damage or flaws within the piece itself. For example, if there is an issue with a stone setting or defect on the metal’s surface – all of these issues can be evaluated in earnest so corrective action may be taken accordingly.
Furthermore, not all jewelry pieces require extensive (and often intrusive) restoration; some items may simply need a thorough polishing and maybe even an ultrasonic cleaning to restore its glimmering sheen once more. At Catbird Jewelry Care we understand our clients’ desire for their beloved jewelry items to look like new again which is why we provide specialized treatments that best suit each individual item’s unique composition.
Additionally exclusive guidance will also be offered regarding what steps should/can be taken towards restoring/preserving the piece further relative to its current condition – this detailed service featured at no additional cost as well.
With over 15 years worth of experience in the industry – cat bird Jewelry Care prides itself on providing high-end customer service with minimal wait time – upon request a secure mail order pick up & return policy can also be established leaving most repairs completed faster than you expect them too be after being shipped back.
So keep into account next time something valuable heads on its way out because Catbird Jewelry Care allows clients at any level value their special moments even when it may otherwise appear difficult as well as creating lasting relationships built off trust throughout each job steadily fulfilling promises every step of the way…Pretium – Latin for “Value” is key.
Types of Jewelry Care
The type and amount of care that goes into looking after jewelry will vary depending on the materials used – gold, silver, platinum, or other precious stones. With any type of jewelry, it’s important to take it off each night before you go to bed as this helps prevents scratches as well as prolonging its lifespan. Keeping your jewelry separate in a box is recommended and proper storage ensures that no tangling or scratching occurs.
Silver jewelry should be stored in an airtight container when not being worn and if possible stored away from direct sunlight and moisture like bathroom vapors. This helps maintain the sheen due to air oxidation that can occur over time.
No matter what type of jewelry you own, professional cleaning is highly recommended at least every 12-18 months, especially if they are items that are often handled such as wedding rings and necklaces. Professional Jewelers use ultrasonic machines and special cleaning compounds to safely remove accumulated dirt, sweat, body oils and other residue without damaging the piece itself.
For example Catbird’s signature service includes steam cleaning along with full inspection for any damage on settings, clasps or chains as well as advising on maintenance for future wears.
Alongside deep cleaning services some retailers offer detailed repair work too, typical jobs include fixing clasps or replacing earring posts with palladium tips which are more durable than standard ones where available.
When shipping items for repair customers should always send them using registered mail with a tracking code which provides extra reassurance throughout transit particularly when dealing with pieces of high value the added layer of protection given by Registered mail gives an extra peace of mind should anything get damaged during delivery.
How to Clean Jewelry
Caring for jewelry can be a daunting task especially when there are many different types of stones, metals for us to choose from. Every type of material requires a different approach and technique when it comes to cleaning them. Catbird Jewelry’s first tip to caring for your jewelry is using specific products only.
Mixtures from multiple common household items, such as toothpaste and baking soda can damage the piece and are best avoided. Even though natural ingredients such as lemon juice and vinegar work wonders on many surfaces, they should never be used on any type of jewelry because they tend to corrode metal surfaces, erode enamel coatings and fade away precious stones.
It’s also important to recognize that costume jewelry has its own unique qualities and should always be treated with delicacy which includes being careful not to use any harsh chemicals or abrasives that may discolor plating or dull the look of any given piece.
Catbird Jewelry’s second tip is utilizing ultrasonic machines for cleaning jewelry that cannot be exposed directly to liquid. Ultrasonic machines utilize soundwaves vibrated by an ultrasound transducer which cause inertial cavitations in water-based solutions which in turn suspend particles from the surface of the item being cleaned; making them easy to remove without causing any damage.
The best thing about these machines is that not only do they get rid of dirt buildup but also help maintain an item’s finish.
Finally, be sure to dry any pieces well with a soft cloth for proper storage after every use or cleaning session. This will eliminate potential corrosion and oxidation which could potentially damage precious metals like gold or silver over time if left uncared for in moisture – filled areas like bathrooms or closets.
Slightly oily cloths may be used if necessary but never store your jewels away while still wet as this could lead to tarnishing or staining with prolonged exposure depending on the specific item’s material composition. Following these tips would ensure that your Catbird Jewelry remains sparkling clean and beautiful.
Storage Solutions
Storing jewelry properly and carefully is essential. It should be stored in a manner where delicate items cannot be exposed to potential damages such as being caught in another item or knocked over and broken. Jewelry storage boxes can provide a clean, safe and organized way to store all of your jewelry.
They come in many different sizes, shapes, styles and materials that will fit any décor or purpose. Selecting a quality jewelry box with compartments for necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and small items is ideal for those who want to minimalist their collection.
In addition to jewelry boxes pouches are excellent for storing jewelry when traveling or just out around town. Jewelry pouches help protect jewelry from scratches, dents and getting tangled with other items in a purse or bag.
Most are designed with layers of fabric that make them durable yet breathable so moisture doesn’t build up which would potentially cause harm to the metals used in the piece. Pouches come in various sizes that organize multiple pieces while securing them within the pouch’s interior material.
When storing your rings they should be placed on dividers (provided by most storage solutions) or completely separate from other items within the box to reduce scratching on valuable stones such as diamonds. Necklaces should also be placed on pegs (provided by boxes) which will support their weighted chain so that it doesn’t become loose or tangled around other items.
With these tips your beautiful collectibles can remain looking its best while taking up minimal space as efficient storage solutions keeps each item tucked away until you’re ready to accessorise.
Removing Jewelry Safely
Removing jewelry safely is very important if you want to preserve your jewelry in perfect condition. Although it may be tempting to remove your jewelry when you are annoyed with it or need a break, it is important to do it the right way. A few tools and accessories can make this process much easier.
One of the most essential tools for removing jewelry safely is an anti-tarnish cloth. This material helps keep jewelry from getting dull, scratched or corroded due to exposure to air or moisture while being taken off and put back on.
These cloths are widely available in stores and online, often in different sizes and materials that work best with certain kinds of jewels. For example, a special silver polish microfiber cleaning cloth will be best suited for silver pieces while a lint-free polishing cloth works best for gold items.
Jewelry specialty tools such as tweezers or clasps openers should also be part of any collection of jewelry care supplies used for removal purposes. Tweezers can help untangle any knotted chains easily and clasps openers allow getting through lobster claw clasps without the risk of pinching fingers or scratching the surrounding skin.
When using tweezers, make sure that the tips are filed down so they don’t snag onto delicate threads or scratch the jewels surface when touching them; this applies to clamp openers as well. Additionally, for harder to reach areas such as behind stud earrings, jeweler’s pin vises prove invaluable since they tend to act like mini screwdriver allowing easier access to tight spaces that require manual manipulation while turning back earring stud posts before taking them away.
By following these simple steps you can keep your favorite catbird jewelry looking its best over time.
Different Materials
Most of Catbird jewelry’s pieces are made from gold and sterling silver. Gold is an alluring metal that is resistant to corrosion and will usually not cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. It stands out more than many other types of jewelry, and it can last a lifetime with proper care.
Cleaning gold jewelry is simple, but it should always be done gently. A small amount of mild soap mixed with warm water can do the trick, as can using a soft toothbrush if there are grooves or small crevices that need to be cleaned. Allowing the piece to dry completely before storing it away will ensure its longevity.
Sterling silver is one of Catbird’s most popular materials for jewelry because of its shine and affordability. Although sterling silver does require more frequent cleaning than gold, due to tarnishing from air and moisture contact, it’s relatively easy to clean with simply a bit of polish or a cleaning solution available at many craft stores or online retailers.
A buffing cloth or cotton ball is all you need for this task; simply make sure you rub in gentle circles rather than harsh scrubbing movements. To help prevent tarnishing in between cleanings, try adding special polishing cloths designed specifically for sterling silver into your jewelry box – they act like magnets to repel dust and dirt, keeping your pieces looking new.
When caring for any type of diamond or gemstone, it’s important to handle them delicately as they are naturally softer than many metals used in jewelry making. Certain stones may react differently when exposed to certain chemicals like chlorine – so never use these on a precious stone.
Ultrasonic cleaners should usually be avoided as well since they could harm a diamond’s delicate structure over time. The best way to keep diamonds sparkling is by just wiping them down regularly with warm water and dish soap; when in doubt about how to properly take care of your diamond jewels consult an experienced professional jeweller for guidance.
Jewelry Care Tips for Different Activities
Exercising
Before exercising it is important to take off all jewelry that isn’t waterproof. Even though some jewelry might be labeled as “sweat proof”, it can still get damaged in some cases. Wearing a sweatband over your wrist can easily make your rings slide off or bang against a hard surface, possibly scratching the gem itself or the setting.
Another common problem is temperature shock – when something cold like a ring comes in contact with our slightly heated skin, it can cause it to crack over time. To prevent this, remove all jewelry before strenuous physical activity such as running, yoga or gym workouts.
Swimming
It is not recommended to swim with any kind of non-waterproof jewelry like Catbird rings because the chlorine can damage certain types of metals and stones applied on jewelry. Chlorine has oxidizing powers that can damage brassy gold colors, silver plating and even gold plating.
Furthermore swimming with a ring could make you lose the item due to it sliding off from your finger or during water play activities (like diving) as well as weakening its structure due to wear and pressure variations in underwater currents and waves.
Sleeping
When you are about to go to bed for the night take off any types of jewellery. Not just because of comfort reasons (especially if such piece is too tight or bulky), but also because significant movement while snoozing may cause parts of the jewellery to weaken since they are pushed against the fabric that covers your bed.
Since more fragile gems like opals have softer components they have higher chances of getting cracked while sleeping so it is recommended that they should remain off throughout the entire night.
Waterproofing For rings and bracelets there are ceramic coating options available which add an extra layer of protection so that this type of jewellery doesn’t get affected by typical activities (like swimming). By adding this finish onto your jewels they become resistant against minor impacts as well great corrosion from salt water elements which means not having to worry about how strong your pieces need when exposed outside their regular conditions.
Before deciding on any kind of additional coating for jewellery better ask about all the product benefits in order for you too choose properly whether is worth getting or not according these kind of specifics scenarios will be applied and taken into consideration.
Conclusions
First and foremost, caring for your Catbird jewelry is essential to keeping it as beautiful as it was when you first purchased it. Proper care starts with keeping your jewelry away from abrasive materials such as cleaning chemicals, lotions, and perfumes that can degrade the material over time.
In addition, taking into consideration the fact that precious metals contain trace amounts of copper or other metals which are susceptible to tarnish can go a long way in preserving their beauty. Therefore, storing pieces not regularly worn in airtight bags will help maintain their luster by reducing oxidation and exposure to bacteria or dirt.
Taking preventative measures against wear and tear is just as important as being mindful when handling your Catbird jewelry: To clean items with precious or semi-precious stones such as diamonds or opals, use a soft toothbrush with mild soap in lukewarm water, followed by a soft cloth for drying to reduce scratching and damage caused during the cleaning process.
If ever an item appears in need of repairs then consulting with a professional jeweler is always the safest option; any reputable jeweler will have both the skill and tools necessary to restore your piece back to its original condition.
However. If time isn’t accessible there are some do-it-yourself methods available (depending on type of piece) such as basic ring sizing or refinishing; doing so may offer some short term answers but it is recommended that a professional take all major repair projects to ensure quality.
When considering whether an item requires professional care, simply ask yourself: Does this practice require specialized equipment? If yes, then contacting a local jeweler is likely the best bet – they come equipped with industry standard tools specifically designed for delicate work and gemstone setting processes which often require precision many do-it-yourself approaches cannot offer.
This route also allows customers access to trusted professionals who understand how vital individual pieces of jewelry can be; they treat every piece brought forth within their workshops not just as an object but rather an abiding symbol filled with emotion – quite possibly even memories if passed down through generations.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
