Frequently asked questions

Minimize tarnishing and scratching by storing jewelry in a box, cloth or bag. Clean with hot water and soap and lightly polish with toothpaste or damp baking soda. Remove tarnishing with Sunshine brand polishing cloth, available at riogrande.com. On antiqued pieces, follow same procedure and then rub raised surfaces lightly with a cloth. Please do not use dips or creams. Remove all jewelry while bathing and swimming because exposure to chlorine and salt weakens all metals.

The black jewelry is super tarnished using a sulfur bath. Minimize scratching by storing jewelry in a box, cloth or bag. Clean with hot water and soap and do not scrub with anything. Oxidized black pieces are lightly coated with cacao butter, reapply if dull grey. Remove all jewelry while bathing and swimming- exposure to chlorine and salt weakens all metals and changes the colors. jewelry may be made black again using a hot sulfur bath.

Shipping fees are not refundable.

All packages ship USPS first class with tracking, unless you choose otherwise.

These time frames may not be guaranteed by the postal carriers.

Please see below for details on International orders.

I use silver and gold with a post consumer content who purchase from fair labor practicing mines.

I believe that purchasing high quality jewelry with a post consumer content that is repairable and recyclable is very important.

I make jewelry in small batches, minimizing waste, use of resources and strengthening the metal by using hand forming techniques en lieu of casting processes.

My jewelry is hand made from solid silver and gold; my jewelry is repairable and recyclable.