Care Instructions
ABOUT THE MEDIUM
Our beautiful gems are made from a Non-Toxic PVC based medium called Polymer Clay. We mold it, color mix it and sometimes add things like foil or glitter we then shape it by hand into our pretty gems, they are cured and finished with the most care.
Even though polymer clay is durable and strong it still needs to be cared for correctly because it can be easily broken with improper use and storage, especially if the design is delicate. DO NOT attempt to fold your earrings in half "Durability or Flex Tests" by customers are completely unnecessary, makers who advertise their product folding in half, make thin components with specific polymers and are doing it to shock people. It is the makers job to ensure their components are cured correctly - yes polymer clay can be very flexible some brands more than others, the way that I test strength is by adding an extra component to my batch that I am curing - I do flex tests on that component rather than components I plan to use as rigorous testing can weaken even the strongest clays. There is no requirement that components need to fold in half and snap back.
We only use high grade surgical stainless-steel backings and clasps for our earrings unless otherwise stated - on rare occasions we may use nickel free findings for things like connectors, jump rings and clip on earrings if we can’t source surgical steel or want a different finish.
CARING FOR YOUR NEW GEMS!
Although polymer clay is strong that does not mean its indestructible by any means!
The best way to keep your gems healthy and happy is to store them in a dry cool spot, for earrings we suggest storing them on a Bon Maxie Earring Holder to avoid them being knocked around and easily broken or lost.
Polymer Clay is a porous material and can scuff easily especially the light colors - we suggest not wearing your gems with dark unwashed clothing and using a damp cloth to wipe in-between wears, if you find there are marks that don't come off you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and wipe sparingly to remove the mark - however do not do this on beads or earrings which have metallic leaf or hand painted detailing as alcohol will affect the varnish which protects the leaf and may even remove it.
Avoid showering or swimming while wearing your jewelry, keep them away from perfumes or harsh chemicals to preserve the vibrant colors! Over time polymer clay that is well worn and loved will get a natural patina and what we like to refer to as a lived-in feel.
All the above also applies to our hand painted earrings, although they have a layer of non-toxic varnish, they are still very susceptible to damage or color fading. Try to avoid touching or rubbing the painted areas too much, although it is protected it will still over time and heavy wear eventually fade.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT allow any children to play with, wear or chew on your jewelry. They are NOT for teething purposes at all and will break when chewed on - which is a potential choking hazard. NEVER leave a child unsupervised around your jewelry, beads are small and could be a SERIOUS choking hazard.
IN CASE OF BREAKAGE
If you have the unfortunate experience of your gems breaking please contact us straight away via email with a photo of the jewelry and we can discuss a solution. Just to clarify we will not replace or refund items that have not been cared for or stored correctly. We will also not replace or refund items more than 6 months old. Proof of purchase will be required.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR GUIDES
Our guides and tools are made from a super hardy material called acrylic, they will stand the test of time and can easily be cleaned with a baby wipe or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to store in a cool dry spot in your studio. Excessive heat can affect acrylic. I personally find that my guides end up staying on my tiles because they are getting used every time I make.
COLOURED FOIL
Our colored foil is best looked after in an airtight container, it can be very delicate to use I find using a craft knife or a silicon texture tool.