How to Clean and Care for Native American Jewelry

Handmade Native American jewelry is a special form of wearable art. While this jewelry generally requires little day-to-day maintenance, it's important to know safe and effective cleaning and care methods. Below are our recommendations for keeping your jewelry looking its best.

This article covers the following topics:

1. All-Silver Jewelry
2. Silver Jewelry with Turquoise
3. Inlay Jewelry
4. Gold Jewelry
5. Copper Jewelry
6. Vintage Jewelry
7. Jewelry without Metal
8. FAQ

1. All-Silver Jewelry

Navajo Pearl Necklace by Veltenia Haley

Native American jewelry is most commonly crafted from sterling silver. Over time, sterling silver naturally oxidizes (darkens), especially when it isn’t worn regularly. Oxidation is a form of corrosion, like rusting, except it does not damage the metal underneath. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean with the right method. Note: Skip polishing altogether if the piece was intentionally designed to be oxidized. 

Polishing Cloth: For any silver jewelry, a polishing cloth is the simplest and safest option. These soft cloths are infused with a polishing rouge that gently removes tarnish. We use the Sunshine polishing cloth brand. Polishing clothes can work for most jewelry and are particularly helpful for:

• Jewelry with stones/turquoise: Polishing cloths are safe to use around stones and will not damage them.
• Overlay jewelry with an intentionally dark background, such as Hopi Overlay. Gently glide the cloth over the raised silver surface only and avoid touching the darker recessed layer.
• Controlling the level of polish: Use very light pressure for a subtle refresh.

Liquid Cleaner: If the jewelry is entirely silver and has no stones, you can also use a liquid silver-cleaning solution that contains ammonia. Liquid cleaners are useful when:

• The piece is all silver without stones.
• The piece is one tone (without intentionally oxidized designs).
• The piece has extreme tarnish.
• The piece has small crevices that are hard to reach with a cloth (such as intricate stampwork).
• The all-silver surface is textured and a polishing cloth might snag (like tufa cast jewelry).
• You want to quickly polish an entire piece that has multiple components (for example, Navajo Pearl silver beads).

How to Make a Simple Silver Cleaning Solution:

1. Mix 1 part ammonia and 4 parts warm, soapy water. Since ammonia is the active chemical that removes the tarnish, simply spraying Windex also works well too.
2. Spray the cleaner directly onto the silver, or submerge the piece in the homemade solution for a few minutes.
3. Use a clean, soft toothbrush to gently work it into any crevices or textured areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. This will brighten the silver right up.

Important Notes on Liquid Polishing Solutions: 

• Never use any liquid or cream polishing solution on jewelry with turquoise or other stones. This will damage the stone. Use a polishing cloth instead. Further directions for cleaning turquoise jewelry are below.
• Liquid cleaners create a bright, high polish. Only use them when that's the desired look. Do not use on pieces with overlay designs or intentional oxidation.
• Always try a polishing cloth first before seeing if a liquid cleaner is necessary.

2. Silver Jewelry with Turquoise

Turquoise Cuff by Peter Nelson

Polishing Cloth: For silver jewelry with turquoise, we recommend using a jewelry polishing cloth (such as Sunshine) to clean the silver portions. These soft cloths are infused with a polishing rouge that gently removes tarnish and are safe to use around stones. Do not use a polishing cream or liquid on turquoise jewelry, as they can damage the stone.

Caring for the Turquoise Stone: You don't need to do much to clean the turquoise stone itself. It's important to be aware that natural turquoise is porous and will absorb liquids it comes into contact with. Certain liquids and chemicals can cause damage or cause turquoise to change colors.

Additionally, most Native American jewelers set their stones on a bed of sawdust within the bezel. This is a traditional practice that gives a supportive layer of cushion for set stones. However, if you get your jewelry with set stones wet, even with water, it can cause the sawdust to swell and push the stone out. This is the most common reason why we see stones falling out of pieces. Try your best to avoid all liquids near your set stones. 

Lastly, turquoise can crack from blunt force, so try your best to avoid hitting your stones against hard objects.

Stabilized turquoise is generally less sensitive, but we suggest following the same care practices for all turquoise jewelry. You can expect natural turquoise to deepen in color over time, as it is exposed to the elements and the natural oils of your skin. This natural change is part of the beauty and character of turquoise. Learn more: the difference between natural and stabilized turquoise.

3. Inlay Jewelry

Inlay Pendant by Bryon Yellowhorse

Inlay is a type of lapidary where numerous small cut stones are inlaid directly against the next stone or silver channels. Inlay jewelry can be cleaned using a silver polishing cloth to remove silver oxidization or even a soft t-shirt for a gentle refresh. Do not use a liquid jewelry cleaning solution. Due to the small pieces of inlay, avoid submerging the piece in any liquid, whether for cleaning or activities such as swimming and bathing. The liquid can seep between the stones and increase the risk of small pieces loosening or falling out.

4. Gold Jewelry

Gold Squash Blossom Pendant by Trent Lee-Anderson

For gold jewelry with stones, use the same type of polishing cloth you would use for sterling silver jewelry (such as a Sunshine cloth).

For all-gold jewelry with no stones, use a polishing cloth, or for a deeper clean:

1. Soak the piece in a bowl of warm water and a few drops of mild soap.
2. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove residue.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Dry completely with a soft cloth.

5. Copper Jewelry

Copper Earrings by Joe & Valerie Calabaza

For routine care, use the same type of polishing cloth you would use for sterling silver jewelry (such as a Sunshine cloth).

For light cleaning, try using mild soap and water water. Scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry.

For heavier tarnish, when the copper has tarnished beyond what a polishing cloth can address, the following methods may be used:

• Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with lemon juice or water sufficient to form  a paste. Apply the paste and let sit for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry. Good for stubborn tarnish.
• Lemon Juice and Salt: Mix equal parts lemon juice and salt into a paste. Apply, scrub gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and dry. Recommended if the copper has turned green.
• Vinegar and Salt: Soak jewelry in a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of salt for a few minutes. Scrub gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush. rinse thoroughly with warm water, and dry. Another solution for green oxidation.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda.  Apply to the copper and allow to sit for several minutes. Never leave this solution on for more than one hour as it is capable of etching the surface. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry. Recommended only for heavy green tarnish.

Important: If your copper jewelry has a deliberate patina or artistic color effect, stronger cleaning methods may partially or completely remove these finishes. Always start with a polishing cloth, and proceed cautiously. Testing a small, inconspicuous area first is strongly recommended.

6. Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Squash Blossom Necklace

Part of the special character and value of vintage jewelry is its aged patina. For this reason, we do not polish vintage jewelry. Feel free to clean your vintage jewelry using the appropriate techniques above if you wish, but preserving the original patina helps maintain its value, which is important if you ever plan to sell the piece. When in doubt, do not clean vintage jewelry.

If debris needs to be removed from a crevice, use a soft toothbrush gently as needed.

7. Jewelry without Metal

Turquoise Heishi Necklace by Ray Lovato

Do not use any jewelry cleaner on stone-only jewelry (e.g. beads or slabs) as it could damage the stones. As mentioned above, natural turquoise is a porous stone and will absorb liquids it comes into contact with. Certain liquids, soaps, and chemicals can cause damage, including causing turquoise to change colors. You can expect natural turquoise to gradually deepen in color over time, as it is exposed to the elements and the natural oils of your skin. This is normal and even desirable.

This type of jewelry requires very little maintenance but if needed, simply use a soft t-shirt over the stones or use a soft toothbrush to clean in between beads. 

Be aware that stone or shell jewelry without metal settings (such as beads or slabs) can be more fragile than stones set in metal. Handle with care.

8. Care & Cleaning of Native American Jewelry: FAQ

• What's the main takeaway? When in doubt, use a silver polishing cloth to clean the metal in your jewelry. Avoid any liquid cleaners on stones or shells.
• Can I shower or swim with my jewelry on? We recommend removing jewelry before bathing, swimming, cleaning, or anything that involves water. This is especially important for jewelry with stones or inlay.
• How do I prevent silver from oxidizing? Store jewelry in a tarnish-resistant fabric bag, an airtight container, or a sealed plastic bag. Humid areas (such as bathrooms) increase the rate of oxidization. Wearing silver jewelry regularly helps; the more you handle it, the slower it will tarnish. We also recommend putting your silver jewelry on after you have applied makeup or perfume.
• Can I wear my jewelry every day? Native American jewelry is meant to be cherished, worn, and last lifetimes! However, because it is handmade and incorporates natural materials, it requires more mindful care than machine-made jewelry. Try to avoid dropping pieces on hard surfaces or striking them against objects. We recommend removing jewelry during exercise or activities that may cause excessive wear and strain on the jewelry. Simpler pieces might be suited for everyday wear, while complex, museum-quality pieces are best enjoyed on special occasions. Fine Native American jewelry is certainly meant to be worn - just with balance and care.
  
• What do I do if my jewelry needs repair? If you purchased your jewelry from Garland's, feel free to contact us! Including your order number and photos of the damage will help us assist you more quickly. We’re always happy to help.
  

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