24K gold is a soft metal, so extra care must be taken to avoid dents and deformation. GURHAN uses techniques designed to minimize such damage, such as structural reinforcements and hammering, but as a proud GURHAN collector, please be mindful of the inherent qualities of pure gold.
GURHAN jewelry is made by hand. As such, no item will ever look exactly the same as another, even if it is the same style. It will also bear imperfections that are evidence of the hand workmanship. These features are to be expected and are something we are proud of.
All metals, and some stones, acquire a patina when worn. This patina may vary from one wearer to another, as everyone has different oils and chemicals on their skin. This is a normal process and makes the jewelry your very own. If you wish for your item of jewelry to be returned to its original look, please have an authorized retailer send it to GURHAN for restoration.
Jewelry Care Tips
Wear your jewelry with care to help preserve its shape, surface, and stones over time. Avoid sharp impact, especially with softer stones such as opal or turquoise. Take extra care with thin or flatter hand-hammered elements, as pressure may cause them to bend. If this happens, they can often be gently pressed back into shape by hand. Be mindful when wearing your jewelry around perfumes, hairspray, hand sanitizers, and other chemicals, as these may affect precious metals and certain stones.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
To clean gold jewelry that is not threaded and does not include any soft gemstones or pearls, soak it for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Gently rub with a cotton swab. For more abrasive cleaning, only if needed, brush gently with a baby toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
To clean silver jewelry that is not threaded, rinse in warm water and pat dry. If white silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a silver-cleaning solution, which can be found at drugstores. Do not use silver cleaner on blackened silver, as it may lose its color. Silver cleaner will not harm gold or platinum, but it will not clean them either. For jewelry with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste, which can reach small crevices. Do not use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, as they will scratch the surface. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth. Moisture speeds the tarnishing process, so ensure your jewelry is dry before putting it away.
Storing Your Jewelry
When storing your jewelry at home or while traveling, keep each piece protected by packing items separately in a box, case, or travel jewelry portfolio. Store link necklaces and bracelets flat to help avoid deformation, and close chains to prevent knotting. Keep jewelry separated while stored, as frequent rubbing may damage the surface, and silver may affect other pieces in enclosed spaces over time. Take care to protect earring backs from bending.
Additional Care Notes
- Rings may conform to the shape of your finger, especially if you lift heavy objects or clap vigorously
- Although GURHAN uses structural reinforcement in many hollow items, always remember that 24K gold is a soft metal, and heavy pressure or dropping an item may dent or bend it.
- Some parts of your item of jewelry may also become misshapen due to excessive bending.