DOG TAG Care Instructions

We hope that you enjoy your new pet tag. For best results, please avoid having unnecessary items on the collar that can rub against the tag. Friction between items can cause premature wear and reduce the visibility of your contact info.  

The opaque ink used to darken in the letters on the tag should generally remain permanently.  However, this coloring can sometimes be faded by wear, time and your pet’s natural body oils. To refresh the color, an easy “fix” is to color the letters with a SHARPIE permanent marker, allow the ink to dry, and then remove the excess color from the face of the tag with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can be done as many times as necessary. In extreme cases, if you'd like it recolored by us, please contact us and we can arrange to take care of it for you.  

ALUMINUM Accessory Care

Aluminum is water safe and will not tarnish. It can be worn while showering.  Polish with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. We do not recommend swimming in your jewelry, as some chemicals (such as chlorine) may be caustic to the metal and affect the coloring/finish of your piece. Pieces can be gently washed with a mild soap and water if extremely dirty.  The opaque ink used to darken in the letters on the tag should generally remain permanently.  However, there may be cases where it will fade or chip. To refresh the color, an easy “fix” is to color the letters with a SHARPIE permanent marker, allow the ink to dry, and then remove the excess color from the face of the tag with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can be done as many times as necessary.  In extreme cases, if you'd like it recolored by us, please contact us.  

To refresh the brushed finish on an item if it has become scratched, you can gently rub it with #000 steel wool.  
 

BRASS and COPPER Care:

Brass and copper will patina and tarnish when exposed to oxygen and elements. Some customers enjoy the organic look of this patina, while others do not.  They occasionally can “turn your skin green” (patina resulting in the metal reacting with your skin oils).  Some people are much more prone to this reaction than others, depending on their body chemistry.   If you find this to be a problem for you, some have found painting the surface that touches your skin (the inside of cuffs or the back of pendants) with a clear nail enamel works for them.  I personally can't vouch for this because my pH doesn't cause the reaction and can't test the theory. 

The best results are found by keeping the piece somewhere where it has little exposure to air/humidity, (small ziplocks work well and can be found at most local craft stores, along with anti-tarnish tabs to keep in jewelry boxes), keeping the piece clean and not sleeping in your jewelry.  You should avoid getting brass and copper wet as it will oxidize, or tarnish, more quickly.  When cleaning your jewelry, please be sure to dry it when done.  Use the included polishing pad to keep your jewelry bright and shiny.

Keychains and other accessories will naturally patina.  If you do not wish to allow them to naturally oxodize, you can refresh the shiny brushed finish on an item by gently rubbing it with #000 steel wool or a red or green scotchbrite pad.  The opaque ink used to darken in the letters on the tag should generally remain permanently.  However, there may be cases where it will fade or chip. To refresh the color, an easy “fix” is to color the letters with a SHARPIE permanent marker, allow the ink to dry, and then remove the excess color from the face of the tag with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can be done as many times as necessary.  These tips should keep your item in beautiful condition for years to come. 

STERLING SILVER Care: 

Tarnish on sterling silver is very normal and can easily be wiped off with the polishing pad that comes with your order. Sterling silver jewelry naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and other elements. There are many factors that can speed up the occurrence of tarnish: some skin types, lotions, improper storage, contact with anything acidic (like some tissues), sulfur in the air/from your pores.   In very rare cases, some people’s skin chemistry will react quickly with sterling silver and tarnish it quickly.  In those cases, the jewelry may have to be sealed to be worn or jewelry in an alternative to sterling silver (like stainless steel) is a good option.

How your jewelry is stored can make a difference in how quickly your jewelry tarnishes.  The best result is found with storing the piece somewhere where it has little exposure to air (small ziplocks work well and can be found at most local craft stores) and wearing it frequently.  Use the included polishing pad to keep your jewelry bright and shiny. You can refresh the shiny brushed finish on an item, by gently rubbing it with #000 steel wool.  The opaque ink used to darken in the letters on the tag should generally remain permanently.  However, there may be cases where it will fade or chip. To refresh the color, an easy “fix” is to color the letters with a SHARPIE permanent marker, allow the ink to dry, and then remove the excess color from the face of the tag with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can be done as many times as necessary.  These tips should keep your item in beautiful condition for years to come.  

GOLD-FILLED Care: 

Gold-Filled should require very little care, other than keeping it from being damaged during wear.  Occasional gentle washing with a mild soap, rinsing well and then buffing with a soft cloth should restore shine if your item becomes dingy with everyday wear.  Please DO NOT clean your jewelry with acidic jewelry cleaners or abrasives as it can, over time, ruin the finish.

The opaque ink used to darken in the letters on the tag should generally remain permanently.  However, there may be cases where it will fade or chip. To refresh the color, an easy “fix” is to color the letters with a SHARPIE permanent marker, allow the ink to dry, and then remove the excess color from the face of the tag with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can be done as many times as necessary.  If needed, we can restore the coloring on an item easily.  Please contact us if this should occur.