CharmingMetals

Everything here is handcrafted by myself with crazy perfection and lots of TLC. I've been obsessed with jewelry making for over 20 years and I strive to make designs that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. Every piece is handled with good thoughts and positive energy while in the making, turning your jewelry into something even more meaningful and special.

Be inspired with the endless customization options to choose from in the "ADD ON" gallery. Just use your imagination, add your own personal touches, and make it yours. Have some fun and create a beautiful, custom design for a unique, meaningful, keepsake gift that will be exactly what you need for anyone, for any occasion.

Questions? I'm always here to help! Feel free to contact me anytime via ETSY convos.

Thanks for stopping in!

Carol Vennell
Owner/Designer/Curator

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Check out my SISTER SHOP for more minimalist, modern and feminine designs here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmingMetals?ref=si_shop

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CARE & CLEANING OF YOUR NEW JEWELRY

I work with Sterling Silver, 14K Gold Fill, Vermeil and Rose Gold Fill findings and components which do not contain nickel or lead and best suited for sensitive skin. These metals are durable and long lasting if properly cared for. While you can wear them swimming, exercising, to the beach etc., cleaning and care is important to prolong the life of your jewelry, The only metal that is "completely care free" is solid gold.

••• 14K GOLD FILL
14k gold fill is made by wrapping a layer of 14k gold around a jeweler's brass core, which is typically 90% copper and 10% zinc. By law, 14k gold fill must be at least 5% gold by weight.

Avoid polishing unless necessary and pay particular attention to the remnants of lotions and perfumes. To clean, mix mild soap, a drop of ammonia and warm water in a bowl. Gently swish the jewelry for a few minutes. Gently dry with a non-abrasive soft cloth. For a deeper cleaning, mix mild soap, a drop of ammonia and warm water in a bowl, letting it soak for 5–10 minutes. After soaking, gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove any extra dirt. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Don't use jewelry cleaning substances as the gold layer may eventually wear away.

••• STERLING SILVER
Sterling silver is a metal alloy that's at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It's often abbreviated as 925, and is the most common alloy used in jewelry. It contains metals that react with chemicals found in the air and produce tarnish. High moisture levels, exposure to sunlight and contaminants such as salt water, increase this reaction.

Take steps to protect your sterling findings by keeping them in airtight package or in a cool, dry place. Use tarnish-resistant products such as tarnish tabs or strips that absorb harmful chemicals. To clean, you can use a little hand sanitizer rubbed on with a cotton swab, ball or makeup pad. You can also use a polishing cloth made specifically for silver. For more advanced tarnish, lightly buff the affected areas with a gentle silver-polishing cream. I recommend Herman's Simply Clean Collectors Silver Polish or Blitz Silver Shine Polish for their mild abrasives and non-toxic formulas.

••• ROSE GOLD FILL
Rose gold-fill is gold-fill, except that copper is mixed with the alloy to give it its standout rosy hue. In other words, both 14k gold and 14k rose gold contain the same amount of gold.

Cleaning is the same as with 14k gold fill jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals. Avoid scrubbing. Store your jewelry in a cool, dark and dry place.

••• VERMEIL
Vermeil is made of sterling silver or pure silver that's been plated with a thin layer of gold. The gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick and at least 10K, which means it contains at least 41.7% gold. The gold is applied through a chemical process called electroplating, which uses an electrical current to bind the metals together.

To clean, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after each use. You can also use a jewelry cloth or microfiber cloth to gently rub the surface in a circular motion. Avoid using rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, silver cloths and other harsh chemicals that could harm your jewelry. You can also use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your vermeil jewelry.