Jewelry Care Guide for
The Twisted ZenStone™

Types of Wire

I primarily work with:

• Antique Copper Wire - my signature metal. Warm, earthy, grounding, and beautifully aligned with natural stone energy.

If pieces call for it, I may work with:​

• Silver Finish Wire - a bright and clean option for when a cooler tone is needed. Crafted from a copper core finished in fine silver and sealed with a protective, non-tarnish coating.

• Jeweler's Brass Wire - used selectively. Golden and luminous, offering a stable, lasting finish with consistent color from surface to core.

• Bare Copper Wire - used selectively where a natural patina is desired, developing depth and character with wear.

​

**A Note on Early Works - Some of my earliest pieces were made with other types of enameled copper wire. These pieces follow the same general care guidelines listed below.

Wire Sources

• Coated wire: Parawire (known for durable, high‑quality color coatings)

Parawire has the most durable coating on the market and will withstand plenty of general wear and manipulation. Extended periods of direct sunlight and/or water or humidity exposure may weaken the coating or cause it to fade or discolor.

(Information adapted from Parawire.)
 

• Bare wire: Rio Grande and Parawire​

  • Bare copper is a living metal and will naturally darken over time as it develops a patina. This is normal and part of its character.

Natural Stones

Every stone is selected for its energy, patterning, and symbolic resonance. I work with ethically sourced stones from trusted suppliers. As I continue my lapidary training, future pieces will include hand‑cut cabochons shaped directly from slabs.

Accents

Quality glass beads, seed beads, and select high-quality polymer accents may be used as needed.

Cleaning Methods 

Polishing Cloth (Safest + Recommended)

Safe for: bare copper + coated wire

A jewelry polishing cloth removes tarnish gently without harming stones or coatings.

This is the only method safe for both.

How to use:

• Rub the metal gently

• Avoid stones

• No water needed

Notes:

• Best everyday maintenance

• Won’t damage Parawire coating
   

Lemon + Baking Soda Paste

Safe for: bare copper only

Not safe for: coated wire (Parawire), porous stones, soft stones

Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1–2 teaspoons baking soda

• Mix until it forms a thick paste (it will fizz — that’s normal)

How to use:

• Apply ONLY to the bare copper areas

• Rub gently with your fingertip or a soft cloth

• Rinse quickly under cool water

• Dry completely with a soft cloth

Notes:

• Do NOT let it sit on the metal

• Keep away from stones

• Do not soak the piece
   

Salt + Vinegar Dip

Safe for: bare copper only

Not safe for: coated wire, stones, beads, or any wrapped piece with components that cannot be submerged

Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon table salt

• Stir until the salt dissolves

How to use:

• Dip ONLY the bare copper portion

• Submerge for 5–20 seconds max

• Remove immediately

• Rinse thoroughly with cool water

• Dry completely

Notes:

• This is a strong cleaner — use sparingly

• Never soak stones or coated wire in this solution

• Always dry fully to prevent flash‑tarnish
   

Ketchup Method

Safe for: bare copper only

The natural acids brighten copper.

Apply only to the metal, rinse quickly, dry fully.

Not safe for: coated wire, stones

Recipe:

• Use plain ketchup (no additives needed)

How to use:

• Apply a small amount to bare copper

• Let sit for 1–2 minutes

• Rinse thoroughly

• Dry completely

Notes:

• Works because of natural acids

• Very gentle compared to vinegar dip
   

Commercial Copper Polish

Safe for: bare copper only

Not safe for: coated wire, stones, beads

How to use:

• Apply polish to a cloth (never directly to the jewelry)

• Rub only the bare copper

• Wipe clean

• Dry thoroughly
   

​Never use water‑based or chemical dips on coated wire or stones. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners.

Avoid Water & Chemicals

Remove jewelry before:

• showering or swimming

• applying lotions, oils, or perfume

• cleaning with chemicals, abrasive cloths, or cleaners

Moisture and chemicals can damage metals, beads, and stones.

Avoid Physical Stress

Do not wear your piece during:

• sleep

• exercise

• physical activity

• high‑motion environments (rides, sports, etc.) 

• situations where it may be dropped or knocked against hard surfaces

• extreme temperature changes (hot car, freezing weather, etc.)

Wirework can bend or distort under pressure.

Storage

Store your jewelry:

• in a dry, protected space (airtight bag to slow patina development for bare copper)

• in separate pouches or compartments

• away from other jewelry to prevent scratching or tangling

Natural Aging

Over time, materials may naturally shift in appearance:

• patina on metals

• slight dulling of beads

• surface wear on stones

These changes are normal and not considered defects.

Energy Care (Optional)

If you work with energetic practices, you may cleanse your piece using:

• smoke

• sound

• moonlight

• intention

Avoid water‑based cleansing methods.

​Workmanship Warranty

A 30-day workmanship warranty is provided from the date of delivery.

• This covers structural issues related to craftsmanship under normal wear.

• This warranty applies only to workmanship under normal wear conditions.

• This warranty does not apply to damage present at delivery; such claims must follow the Damage Claims process. See Terms & Returns Page.

• Improper care or wear may result in damage not covered under any workmanship warranty.

Determination of coverage is at the sole discretion of The Twisted ZenStone™