Keep Your Adele Dejak Pieces Timeless: A Guide to Polishing and Care

Keep Your Adele Dejak Pieces Timeless: A Guide to Polishing and Care.

At Adele Dejak, every piece of luxury African jewelry is a story. Handcrafted in our Nairobi studio, our designs—from bold brass necklaces to intricate gold plated earrings—are more than just accessories. They are a celebration of artistry, heritage, and the spirit of the modern, empowered woman. To ensure these pieces remain as captivating as the day you first wore them, proper care is essential.

This comprehensive guide will help you maintain the stunning beauty of your Adele Dejak jewelry, addressing common questions and providing expert tips to keep your collection timeless.

Understanding Our Materials: The Foundation of Timelessness

Our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices means we primarily use recycled metals, with brass being a signature material. Brass, a beautiful alloy of copper and zinc, is known for its durability and rich, golden luster. Over time, it can develop a unique patina, a natural process of oxidation that many find appealing.

We also use 24k gold plating on many of our designs, offering the luxurious look of pure gold with the durability of a brass base. Understanding these materials is the first step to proper care.

The Golden Rules of Jewelry Care

Whether you own a gold bracelet in Kenya or a statement-making brass ring, these general rules will help you protect your investment:

1. Wear It Last, Take It Off First: Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. This prevents exposure to perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and other chemicals that can accelerate tarnishing and damage the finish.

2. Avoid Water: Always remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or washing your hands. Moisture is the number one enemy of brass and gold-plated pieces.

3. Store It Properly: Store each piece separately in a dry, cool place. Our original pouches are perfect for this, as they prevent scratches and minimize exposure to air and humidity. You can also use a jewelry box with individual compartments or airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips, especially for your brass jewelry.

Cleaning and Polishing: A DIY Guide

The key to cleaning your Adele Dejak jewelry is a gentle approach. Abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals can do more harm than good.

For Brass Jewelry

To restore the original shine of your handmade African jewelry made from brass, you can use one of these simple, at-home methods:

• Mild Soap and Water: This is the safest and easiest method for regular cleaning. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the piece, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely with a lint-free cloth.

• The Lemon & Baking Soda Paste: For more stubborn tarnish, create a paste by mixing equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste with a soft cloth, gently rubbing in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly. The natural acidity of the lemon acts as a gentle polish.

• A Word of Caution: Avoid abrasive items like steel wool or a harsh brush. They can scratch the surface of your beautiful Kenyan jewelry.

For Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold plating is delicate, so you need to be extra careful to not rub off the thin layer of gold.

• Use a Soft Cloth: For general cleaning, simply buff the piece with a soft, lint-free cloth. This is often all you need to remove fingerprints and smudges.

• Gentle Soap Solution: If more cleaning is needed, follow the same method as with brass—a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Gently wipe the piece with a soft cloth, rinse, and pat dry. Never soak gold-plated jewelry for an extended period, as this can weaken the plating.

frequent asked questions

We know our customers often have specific questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:

Q: Can I get my Adele Dejak jewelry professionally cleaned? A: Yes. For pieces that need extra attention or have complex designs, a professional jeweler can safely clean and restore them to their original condition.

Q: Why is my brass jewelry turning my skin green? A: This is a common and harmless reaction. It occurs when the copper in the brass alloy reacts with your skin's pH, sweat, or lotions. To minimize this, ensure your skin is clean and dry before wearing your pieces, and consider applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to the parts of the jewelry that touch your skin.

Q: Where can I get my jewelry polished in Nairobi? A: Many jewelers and craftspeople in Nairobi offer professional polishing services. For your Adele Dejak jewelry, we recommend visiting our studio at 125 Mushroom Rd, Kiambu, where our skilled artisans can provide the best care for your pieces.

Final Thought

Every piece of Adele Dejak jewelry is a testament to the talent of African jewelry designers and artisans. By treating your collection with care, you're not just preserving its beauty—you're honoring its story and ensuring it remains a cherished part of your style for years to come. For any other questions regarding care or our collections, including gold rings in Kenya and statement-making designs, please feel free to contact us.