Caring for Glass Jewelry

Caring for Fused Glass

All of my fused glass has been properly annealed for strength, so it is surprisingly tough.  Ultimately, though, it is glass, so care should be taken not to drop it or smack it into something hard.  All of the necklace findings (the metal functional bits – clasp, chain, etc.) are sterling or fine silver, so they will tarnish over time.  Just a quick cleansing with a silver-polishing cloth will brighten them right up.  Unless, of course, the silver is oxidized, in which case just leave it be!  To clean the fused glass itself, just wipe gently with a soft cloth.

Caring for Enamels

Some enamels have been around since the 13th century BC!  However, enamels are more fragile than fused glass, and so they require a bit of special handling.  Please remember that your handmade enamel art jewelry is only a light layer of glass fused onto copper, so treat it gently, try not to bang it or scratch it on stuff, and you really shouldn't drop it.  Ever.  (Ask me how I know this!)  The edges are susceptible to chipping, so store your enamel jewelry where it won't roll around or bump up against other jewelry or objects.  You can wrap it in tissue paper during storage, but not plastic wrap, which can trap moisture which may eventually damage the enamel.  With a little love and tenderness, your enamel jewelry will bring you years and years of pleasure.

The edges of the enamels are sanded down to the copper for smoothness.  The edges will naturally oxidize and darken over time, which I think looks great.  However, if you like your copper edges shiny, you can gently polish the edges with a silver-polishing cloth, lightly rinse, and then dry with a soft cloth.  All of the necklace findings (the metal functional bits - clasp, chain, etc.) are sterling or fine silver, so they will tarnish over time.  Just a quick cleansing with a silver-polishing cloth will brighten them right up.  Unless, of course, the silver is oxidized, in which case just leave it be!  To clean the enamel itself, just wipe gently with a soft cloth.