Putting on cuff bracelets improperly will bend them and weaken the metal and can sometimes loosen bezels and stones.  By using the following technique, you will find it’s more comfortable and preserves the condition and shape of your bracelets (and wrist).

Turn your arm so the palm of your hand is facing up like you’re waiting for someone to “give you five”.  A few inches above the wrist is a soft spot between two tendons.  Hold the bracelet like a C, putting the bottom of the C onto the soft spot of the arm, then roll the wrist into the C.  Reverse the procedure to remove the bracelet.  Even small cuffs with a narrow opening can be put on larger wrists in this manner and will preserve both your skin and the bracelet.

• Cuffs can be adjusted slightly for a better fit by gently squeezing. Do not apply excess force as this can bend them permanently out of shape.
• Avoid dropping pieces.
• All base metal components are lacquer coated to resist tarnishing. Lacquer coatings are not permanent and may wear off with time. Most items can be re-lacquered – contact me for details and information.
• Do not polish lacquered components. Lacquered components can be cleaned with mild soap and water; dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
• Chains, earwires, and other non-lacquered components can be polished with care if necessary.
• Do not submerge pieces in water or allow water to rest on the surface.
• Take jewelry off before you go to bed, and especially when swimming or bathing. This will prevent scratching, wear and tear on delicate pieces, and oil and dirt buildup. 
• Items that have had patina finishes applied have been sealed with a protective coating and are not meant to be worn in water or exposed to harsh chemicals such as shampoos, soaps, lotions, perfumes, etc. Over an extended period of time your patina may fade as a natural process. Items that are worn daily may experience this process quicker than others. Copper and brass tend to darken (patina) naturally over time, which is preferred by some.

• We all love our sterling when it’s sparkly and shining, but who hasn’t pulled out a favorite pair of earrings and realized they’re not so fantastic when tarnished?  If you’re anything like me, the thought of finding the silver polish and getting them cleaned up is a lot more work than just picking out another pair, so they get tossed back in the jewelry box and the tarnish problem only increases.  There’s a simple solution to this problem.  At the first sign of diminished shine, grab an old toothbrush and a touch of toothpaste and brush your jewelry after you brush your teeth (please, please don’t use the same brush).  Rinse and dry, and you’re good to go. It’s easy and doesn’t add any extra steps.  After all, you were planning on brushing your teeth today, weren’t you?  Or, you can always gently wipe your silver jewelry with a jewelry polishing cloth.

• All base metal pieces (copper, brass, bronze, etc.) are lacquer coated to resist tarnishing and should not be polished. Lacquered components can be cleaned with mild soap and water; dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

• Chains, earwires, rings, and other non-lacquered components can be polished with care if necessary.

• Due to the handcrafted nature of my work, pieces may differ slightly in pattern and finish from the pictures on the website. These differences are what make each and every piece unique, and are not to be considered defects. Every effort had been made to insure that the photos on the website represent as closely as possible the piece you will receive.
• All items are guaranteed to be free from structural defects. If you believe your piece is defective contact me as soon as possible.
• All designs and photos are property of Cherokee Ridge Jewelry Designs and may not be reproduced without permission.