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Preserving Your Investment with Proper Care

Authentic Handmade Navajo jewelry is cherished for its unique beauty and exceptional quality, not to mention the countless hours silversmiths spend creating your piece. When you purchase a piece of Navajo wearable art, you are investing in a piece of art that is valuable and should be able to be passed down for generations. Treat your investment right.​Below are some tips to help keep your one-of-a-kind Navajo pieces strong and stunning for generations to come!

​Sterling Silver 

To keep your sterling silver pieces from tarnishing, you must clean and store them carefully. Don’t use silver cleaning solutions on them, as they can damage or discolor the stones.

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Navajo sterling silver is sometimes oxidized in certain places by the artist to create a unique contrasting effect. Toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions can ruin this effect. If it needs cleaning, polish with a non-abrasive sunshine cloth.

 

If you will be storing your piece for extended period of time, store it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent air or moisture damage. Note: For pieces where oxidation was done, poke an air hole in the bag to keep the design true.

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Turquoise 

Extreme temperatures, moisture, perfumes, natural skin oils, and harsh chemicals can all damage or discolor turquoise, since it is naturally porous. A sunshine cloth is the best way to clean your turquoise pieces. For stubborn dirt or stains,  use warm water to rub it off gently— don’t use soap and do not submerge the piece.

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Remove your turquoise Navajo jewelry before bathing, swimming, or any sweaty activity. Turquoise also should not be exposed to sunlight for too long, or it may affect the color.

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