GTMW Jewelry Care

 Regularly inspecting your jewelry helps catch small issues before they become costly repairs. We recommend taking a few minutes every couple of weeks to gently examine each piece.

Look for:

• Loose stones or prongs
   
• Worn clasps or links
   
• Bent or misshapen settings
   
• Discoloration or buildup
   

Gently tap the piece near your ear—if you hear a slight rattle or feel any movement when lightly touching the stone, it may be loose. You can also run your fingertip over the setting to check for anything that feels uneven or unstable.

Early detection helps prevent the loss of precious stones and keeps your jewelry looking its best for years to come.

GTMW Guarantee: Any Ghost Town Metal Works piece(s) can be sent back to Charity for complimentary inspection and polishing at no additional charge : customer just handles the postal fees in both directions.  Charity recommends customers ship with full insurance, tracking, and adequate protective padding. Please message prior to shipping so recent communication has been established.

 As beautiful as fine jewelry is, it’s not made for heavy lifting, hard impact, or high-intensity movement. Wearing your pieces during workouts, household chores, gardening, or even while sleeping can cause unnecessary wear and tear.

Here’s why it matters:

• Metals can bend or warp under pressure
   
• Prongs can loosen, putting stones at risk of falling out
   
• Chains and clasps may break with sudden movements
   
• Sweat, dirt, and harsh chemicals can dull finishes and damage delicate materials
   
• Softer gemstones, like opals or turquoise, may crack, chip, or break with impact or pressure
   

To protect your jewelry, always remove it before physical activity and store it in a soft pouch or box. A little care now can prevent costly repairs—and keep your favorite pieces sparkling for a lifetime.

 Water activities might feel relaxing, but your fine jewelry isn’t built for exposure to pools, hot tubs, baths, hot springs. Chemicals like chlorine, soaps, and even sulfur from natural hot springs can cause serious damage over time.

Here’s what happens:

• Chlorine and sulfur can discolor or corrode metals and damage softer stones like opals and turquoise, causing them to crack or lose their luster
   
• Soaps and lotions leave residue that can build up and cloud gemstones
   
• Hot water temperatures can cause some stones to crack, fade, or weaken, especially delicate or porous gems
   
• There’s also the risk of losing your jewelry while swimming or bathing
   

To keep your jewelry safe and beautiful, always take it off before water activities and dry your pieces thoroughly if they do get wet. This simple step helps protect your treasures and keeps them sparkling longer.

 Cleaning your home, workspace, or vehicle are important, but your fine jewelry doesn’t belong in the middle of it. Physical scrubbing, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cleaning products can cause serious harm to both metals and gemstones.

Here’s why:

• Vigorous scrubbing or bumps against hard surfaces can scratch metals and stones or loosen delicate settings
   
• Common household cleaners often contain chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acids that can corrode metals, damage plating, or discolor stones
   
• DIY cleaning mixtures, such as vinegar or baking soda, can be too harsh for many gems and may weaken or dull their appearance
   

To keep your jewelry safe, always remove it before cleaning and store it away. When it’s time to clean your jewelry, opt for gentle methods recommended by your jeweler or have it professionally cleaned.

 While commercial jewelry cleaners might seem convenient, they can sometimes cause more harm than good. Many contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can permanently damage delicate settings and are particularly harsh on softer stones, potentially ruining the stone and your treasured pieces.

For safe home care:

• Use a mild soap with warm water and gently clean your jewelry with your fingers or a soft cloth
   
• Avoid soaking your pieces for long periods to protect sensitive stones and settings
   
• After cleaning, pat dry quickly with a soft towel—don’t rub vigorously
   
• Jewelry polishing cloths, safe for all precious metals and stones set by GTMW, are available for purchase in our online shop. All gold pieces come with a courtesy polishing cloth for your convenience
   

For the best results, bring your jewelry to a trusted jeweler for a professional cleaning and/or polishing. Be sure to request an inspection first—this ensures any loose stones are identified and secured before cleaning, preventing accidental loss.

 Proper storage is key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your Ghost Town Metal Works pieces. To keep your jewelry looking its best:

• Store pieces away from humidity—bathrooms and other damp areas are not ideal for long-term storage
   
• Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade some stones and discolor metals
   
• Keep jewelry away from extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, to prevent damage or warping
   
• Choose storage spaces that protect your pieces from scratches, such as soft-lined jewelry boxes or pouches
   
• Make sure your jewelry won’t be crushed or tangled by heavier items—store each piece separately if possible
   
• Store your jewelry in a secure place that is not easily accessible to thieves—be especially vigilant while traveling, at the beach, or in unfamiliar environments