Taking care of your vitreous enamel jewelry
Roman micromosaic is a delicate art form where thousands of tiny glass tesserae are set into a special adhesive stucco. Because of this construction, it shares the characteristics of glass but has unique needs regarding moisture and impact.
Do not bend: Never attempt to bend or resize a ring or bracelet containing a micromosaic, as the pressure can cause the tiny tiles to pop out of their setting.
Impact: The mosaic surface is sensitive to strong impacts. Dropping it on hard surfaces like tile floors or marble can fracture the glass tesserae.
When to wear vitreous enamel jewelry
To ensure the longevity of your piece, I recommend removing your micromosaic jewelry during activities where it might be subjected to shocks or harsh environments, such as:
At the gym or during sports activities.
While sleeping (to avoid accidental bending).
At the beach (sand is abrasive and seawater can damage the stucco).
Cleaning and maintenance to remove fingerprints
A soft, slightly damp cloth is sufficient to remove oils and stains from the front of polished micromosaic jewelry. To remove dust from from unpolished micromosaics, use a soft brush (like a new, clean makeup brush) to gently sweep dust from the crevices between the tiles. Never use aggressive chemicals, chlorine, or acidic products (like lemon or vinegar).
Handling Water Exposure
If your micromosaic gets wet, don't worry. Just pat it dry with a soft cloth to remove most of the water, and then let it dry in the air.
Do not use a hair dryer or heat source (heat can soften the putty).
Avoid soaking your micromosaic in water for long periods, as this can weaken the adhesive over time.
Removing Oxidation (Tarnish)
Over time, the silver or copper settings of your jewelry may naturally oxidize. If you do not like the "antique effect" this creates, you can restore the shine:
Polishing Cloth: Use the white polishing cloth included with your purchase. Gently rub only the exposed metal parts.
Liquid Polish: For stubborn oxidation, you may use a specialized product like Brasso or a silver dip. Apply it carefully with a cotton swab only to the metal.
Professional Cleaning: If you are unsure, consult a jeweler and specify that the piece is a micromosaic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can vitreous enamel jewelry get wet?
Yes, but you should avoid soaking it. If your micromosaic gets wet, don't worry: just pat it dry with a soft cloth to remove most of the water and let it air dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or heat source, as heat can soften the putty. Never soak micromosaic jewelry in water for long periods, as moisture can eventually weaken the adhesive putty that holds the tesserae in place.
Is micromosaic jewelry fragile?
Modern micromosaics created with high-quality stucco are surprisingly durable for daily wear, provided they are not dropped or bent. Antique pieces require more care as the old putty may have become brittle over centuries.
Can a damaged micromosaic be repaired?
Yes, although the process is not trivial. A specialist in micromosaic restoration can often repair the damage by resetting the original tile or creating a new one that matches the color of the original.
How should I store my micromosaic?
Store your pieces face-up in their original box or a soft pouch. Do not stack heavy items on top of them, and keep them away from extreme heat or damp environments to preserve the integrity of the putty.