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How to Clean and Care for Alternative Metals

Alternative Metals

In a recent JCK Magazine article * it's clear that our economy is driving the popularity of alternative metals.

Blitz has a number of cleaning choices for these new economic-fashion metals.

Some jewelers prefer the term 'contemporary metals' to alternative metals.  Either term is a contrast to traditional precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum.  With gold now at about $1,000 an ounce, consumers are looking for attractive items to fit their stressed pocketbook.

The first metal is the "other white metal", palladium.  It's a precious metal, a member of the platinum family, with a somewhat whiter look.   It tends to be less expensive and therefore more and more of these metals are being introduced.

Palladium

Palladium does not tarnish.  Therefore our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html

and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

are recommended for cleaning simple band, and precious stone mountings.  Jewelry can be very complex, so make sure you ask your jeweler for advice if for some reason you have a soft or porous stone mounted on a palladium substrate.  Often, palladium is used for earrings and bracelets, so this can be a possibility.

As always, if your jewelry is plated with any precious metal, always consult your jeweler for care and advice.  Rubbing or brushing a thinly-plated piece of jewelry may wear the plating and be detrimental.  In this case, use our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Trendy Metals

Trendy, alternate metals are stainless steel, titanium and tungsten. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel rarely tarnishes, but is susceptible to other issues.  Depending on the grade, stainless steel over time can begin to look dry as it loses some of the oils that lubricate it.  Wd recommend using  # T040060GX, our silicone cloth (special order), which can also be found as part of the Blitz Ultimate Watch Care Kit #20603:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/20603/Ultimate_Watch_Care_Kit.html

For stainless steel rings or other jewelry that are worn on a  day to day basis, we recommend our  #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Iridescent Titanium

Titanium is versatile.  In thin sheets, it can be specially tinted so that iridescent colors occur.  For this delicate jewelry, we recommend #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Titanium Metal

For durable white metal titanium bracelets and other jewelry, we recommend our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html

and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Titanium and Other Removable Body Jewelry

Titanium is often seen used in body jewelry since it's hypoallergenic.  For removable body jewelry, use our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html

and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Caution:  However do not use our product directly on non-removable body jewelry.  While our products are non-toxic, we don’t want you to use them near piercings.  Only use products recommended by your trusted body-jeweler.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a very hard metal.  It resists impacts, scratches, and abrading.  It rarely shows corrosion.  That's why it's good for sports.  It maintains a high luster, so we recommend cleaning it with #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Alternative Alternatives

This is an industry catch-all phrase that represents the ultimate in complexity in jewelry.  There are numerous trade names, and brands, but these tend to be a blend of either a few precious metals (like gold and silver mixed) or unique alloys or even a composite of woods, metals, fibers, and stones.

The best advice is to use caution.  If you wear these items in the shower or while swimming, then it's safe to use #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Composite Jewelry

If these are delicate, fragile, art-work, or heirlooms then only use what your artist, jeweler, or antique dealer recommends.  Use of any other cleaner may be detrimental to your composite item.

Rhodium Plated Items

See our article at:

http://www.blitzinc.net/category/info.how_to_clean_your_rhodium_plated_jewelry/

Anodized Items

Anodized items are usually non-precious metals that have been specially coated in process that makes the surface not only very hard and durable, but colorful.  Medals, pins, and other ornamental jewelry are made this way,

We recommend using #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Reference Article

*Alternative Metals Show Their Mettle

By Rob Bates, Senior Editor -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/1/2008

http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6574609.html

Jewelry Care Cloth Jewelry Care Cloth
* Non-Abrasive * Jewelry Care and Polishing Cloth * Jewelry Care Treatment with Blitz Cleaning Formula * Protects Jewelry From Tarnish * Non-Toxic and 100% Cotton Flannel Jewelry Care Cloth This 12" x 15" two ply jewelry care and polishing cloth is made from 100% soft cotton flannel, then folded and sewn. The interior polishing cloth is treated with the finest non-toxic cleaning and polishing agents with tarnish inhibitors to clean, shine, care and protect gold, platinum, silver and many othe...
Gem Jewelry Cleaner Gem & Jewelry Cleaner
* For use on non-porous precious and semi-precious gems and precious jewelry * Jewelry cleaner includes basket and small brush * Jewelry cleaner helps remove tarnish and grime * Non-Toxic * Made in the USA Gem & Jewelry Cleaner Blitz Gem & Jewelry Cleaner is ideal for cleaning gold jewelry, platinum jewelry, diamond jewelry, as well as ruby, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, peridot and other non-porous precious and semi-precious gem and precious jewelry. This is one of the leadi...
Microfiber Cloth Microfiber Cloth
* Non-Abrasive, streak-free, and lint free! * Microfiber cloth for Use on Glasses, Metals, Jewelry, Photos, and More! * Super Absorbant * Stock color * Made in the USA Blitz Microfiber Cloth Blitz Microfiber Cloth 8" x 7 1/2" is a multi-purpose cloth designed to clean and polish glasses, metals, jewelry and it takes finger prints off photos. Watch as the microfiber takes away any sign of water instantly. This will be one of the products you use over and over again. Blitz Stock #7808 Logo may ...
Ultimate Watch Care Kit Ultimate Watch Care Kit
* Cleaning Cloths Treated With Blitz Cleaning Formula * Gem & Jewelry Cleaner Foam For Use on Metal, Diamonds, and Gem Stones * Gem Wand Polishes Hard to Reach Areas * Non-Toxic * Made in the USA The Ultimate Watch Care / Watch Cleaning Kit Since 1912, Blitz has made the polish that is in the cloth a way of life. Here is the new, safe and easy way to keep your watches looking like new by cleaning and polishing them with this watch cleaning and polishing kit. For generations, people have used ...
Fashion Jewelry Cleaner Fashion Jewelry Cleaner
* Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner * Jewelry cleaner for use on fashion and costume jewelry * Do not use jewelry cleaner on soft or porous stones * Non-Toxic Jewelry Cleaner * Made in the USA Fashion Jewelry Cleaner Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner is a unique non-toxic cleaner, formulated for the special care of today's fashion jewelry. Comes with a dipping basket to safely immerse jewelry into the cleaner. Perfect for the avid jewelry collector or for personal everyday use. Blitz Stock #661
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