Details

I have worn my personal collection of jewelry and textiles for many years, and can attest that they wear well—and even improve with time. It’s easy to care for them, and you will find it is worth it.

JEWELRY CARE

Because my jewelry is made primarily with leather, there is minimal contact and sometimes no contact with metal on your skin.

My much-loved metal is brass, and occasionally sterling silver as well. Over time, some metals may develop a deeper, rich tone—becoming “antiqued” or “vintage”. This deepening brings character to the piece. However now and then they will benefit from a gentle buffing to revive the luster and highlights. To do this, simply use a jewelry polishing cloth. It only takes a couple of minutes.

To buff and clean: Lay the piece flat on a towel. Secure the metal part firmly with one hand and buff the surface using gentle pressure.

Do not allow the jewelry to become wet. If it is dampened, give it a quick buff with a soft cloth. I like to buff the necklace clasp area at times after wearing to keep it extra clean and dry.

If a necklace has a clasp, I always close it immediately upon removing the necklace, and store it clasp closed. This will ensure that the necklace will retain its shape and lay correctly. The leathers will soften and conform to your neck as you wear it.

I find a great way to clean the leather now and then is to wipe it lightly with an extra-gentle moisturizing hand cleansing towelette.

Please know that I clean and sanitize the vintage leathers before I make them into jewelry. After all—it is possible that a horse wore it before you!

TEXTILE CARE

All of my antique fabrics are carefully laundered before being sewn.

The scarves may be washed occasionally. Depending on the fabric, some may be machine washed and dried. Others may only be hand washed. For example, a sturdy Japanese cotton indigo may be machine washed and dried. A lace-trimmed French fabric from the 1800s may only be hand washed and laid flat to dry.

To wash by machine, use the gentle cycle and tumble dry low. For hand washing, use only a few drops of mild soap in lukewarm water. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, and dry flat. Lightly press with a warm iron if desired.

To remove the leather slide, slide it downward and off. If it is tied on, loosen the latigo ties. If the scarf has lace trim, remove the slide from the top of the scarf. To put it on again, it is usually easier to do so from the top of the scarf rather than the bottom. Gently pull and adjust the scarf within the slide to your liking.

Given the rarity and charm of the textiles, I consider them to be heirloom pieces with hopes they will be loved and passed on. I strive to use every scrap of the precious fabric—and so a frayed edge, a small hole, a patch, or a mend is part of the design and a desired effect. The creases and wrinkles give it a natural lived-in look as well. The more a piece is worn, the more personalized and special it becomes.

I am available to clean, restore, and refurbish the jewelry if needed.

Please contact me at any time if you have questions or experience an issue with the care of the jewelry or textile.