FAQs
COVID-19 UPDATE
Earth & Hammer is open for business! Orders are being processed and shipped on time.
As a safety precaution, all items and packages are disinfected before they leave the workshop.
Care & Cleaning
Most pieces can be kept adequately clean with the regular use of a lint-free cleaning cloth. In situations of excessive dirt or grime, usually a solution of mild dish soap and water can be used.
Cleaning stones in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is generally not recommended, as natural inclusions and weaknesses have the potential to cause fractures during such a process. Feel free to send me an e-mail if you are considering any sort of heavier cleaning and I can help advise you of the best and safest methods.
Please refer to the card included with your item for any specific handling instructions, as there are some pieces that should not be exposed to water or specific chemicals.
It is always a good idea to keep any jewelry away from any sort of caustic chemicals, prolonged UV exposure, or other harsh environments in order to maintain their appearance and durability for years to come.
Where is the mineral/rock in my jewelry from?
Rocks, minerals and gems sold by Earth & Hammer are sourced from all over the world. Some are collected locally, others were initially unearthed on the other side of the world. Each listing describes the origins of the materials used in that piece, and each piece includes a card with some information about its geologic history.
My Skin is Turning Green! What's Going On?!
Over time, copper oxidizes in the presence of oxygen [2Cu(s) + O2(g) -> Cu2O(s)] and creates a thin layer on your jewelry. Every person's skin has a slightly different chemical makeup and acidity, and depending upon this makeup, the acids can react with the copper to create a blue-green color that can be transferred to your skin.
Every person is different, and most people will never have any reaction. While not dangerous in any way, the green staining caused by the interaction of your body's natural oils with the copper can occasionally cause itching.
If your skin is turning green from wearing raw copper jewelry, the first thing that you should do is remove the culprit from your hand/neck/ears/other parts and wash thoroughly with soapy water.
Jewelry parts in prolonged contact with skin (e.g. the inside of a ring) can be coated with clear nail polish to create a long-lasting but non-permanent barrier that won't detract from the appearance of your jewelry.