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
