• how to use the bracelet with mindful intention

• the story behind the charms

• how to adjust your cuff

• jewelry care information

• information on the different metal types.

Mindful Use

That moment hits. Your heart and mind start racing. Fear. Anger. Sadness. Overwhelm. Anticipation. Love. Excitement.

A change or challenge is near, and whether you desire it or not, your brain is flooding your body with chemicals to put you on high alert.

Your own unique blend of fight, flight, freeze or appease is kicking in, bringing the Inner Critic with it.

A “downward spiral” of emotions and (dis)action could be next.

But you know what to do.

• Breathe, just notice your breath as you start the grounding process.

• Gently run your fingers along the charm and gaze at its message, bringing attention to your sense of touch and sight.

• One by one, honor all of your senses and emotions without judgment - smell, taste, sound, touch, sight, and connect with your intuition - returning your mind to your body and this moment.

• Reflect on your values and your big dreams - those people, principles and ways of life you hold most dear.

• Look to your strengths and brainstorm one teeny tiny step you can take right now.

• Take three cleansing breaths, with a deep inhale through your nose and big audible sigh exhale out your mouth, repeating to yourself with each breath:

  • “(inhale) My Potential is Calling (exhale) And I Must Grow”

• Return to your natural breath, and go take that small step!

Adjusting Your Cuff Bracelet

Many cuff bracelets are adjustable thanks to the properties of metal in general. They can be opened or closed up to about a 1/4 inch larger or smaller. However, those that are made of very heavy silver would be very difficult to bend and are considered not adjustable.

DO NOT PUT THE BRACELET ON YOUR WRIST AND SQUEEZE IT.

Squeezing the cuff puts all of the stress on the center of the bracelet and can weaken it. Be very careful when you adjust it so you don’t make it an odd shape or damage it.

TO ADJUST

1. With the bracelet OFF of your wrist, encircle one hand firmly over one end of the bracelet and make your adjustment by bending this portion of the bracelet.

2. Bend gently and adjust a little each time.

3. Do the same on the other side.

CARING FOR YOUR CHARMS

• Take regular care of your jewelry. The longer you go between cleanings the harder it is to restore your metallic jewelry to its original luster. It should be wiped down with a damp cotton ball or microfiber cloth after every use to remove smudges and surface soil.

• Avoid chemicals! Always remove your jewelry before using any product that contains bleach, ammonia, alcohol, citrus juice, salt, detergent or turpentine. If exposed, complete a more thorough cleaning (instructions below).

• Avoid water! Remove your jewelry before bathing. Avoid wearing your jewelry while swimming in chlorinated or salt water. Prolonged soaking in water can wash away enamel or loosen stones in their settings and damage porous stones like turquoise. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on these products.

• Store your jewelry in separate boxes to prevent damage.

• Put your jewelry on last. Hairspray, perfume, lotions, makeup, and water can all affect your jewelry. Put your jewelry on after dressing and grooming.

• Remove your jewelry if you will be working or playing hard.

• Remove your jewelry to sleep, as it can bend or break.

CLEANING YOUR CHARMS

Wipe Down Charm Daily - A Moment for Mindfulness

To remove body oils and soil, use a damp cotton ball, microfiber cloth, or jewelry cloth to wipe down gold-plated jewelry after each wearing. Allow to air-dry before storing. Consider using this time to breathe through the affirmation to help end your day on a reflective note.

Create a Cleaning Solution

If the jewelry has visible soil or feels sticky, it should be cleaned with a warm, soapy solution. In a small bowl, mix one cup of warm water and two to three drops of dishwashing liquid.

Use a cotton ball dipped in the dishwashing liquid and water solution to clean the pieces. Never use a sharp implement (like a knife or paper clip) to remove the dirt because they can scratch away the gold plating. DO NOT SOAK; it will remove the enamel paint from the lettering.

Rinse, Dry, and Buff

When the piece is clean, rinse the jewelry in warm water. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and buff gently to return the shine.

ABOUT GOLD, ROSE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATED BRASS JEWELRY

Plating is a process where a thin layer of gold/rhodium is coated onto the surface of another metal - in this case, brass. Plated jewelry is affordable and can easily be adjusted to fit the wrist, making it a great option for a rotating accessory or gift.

Plating lasts ~2–3 years if you take care of it. Eventually, the base metal molecules will transfer into the thin layer of plating, breaking it down and causing it to tarnish and rub off. However, this time frame depends on how often the piece is exposed to chemicals that can wear down the layer and each person’s body chemistry.

Because of this, it's important to properly care for your gold/rhodium-plated pieces to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.

Rhodium is a member of the platinum family; a silver-white metallic element that is highly reflective and resistant to corrosion. It is considered the rarest and most valuable precious metal in the world — well above gold or silver. 

ABOUT GOLD AND ROSE GOLD FILLED JEWELRY

Gold filled jewelry consists of 2-3 layers of solid gold bonded or pressed with other metals such as brass, silver, or other base metal, giving them more weight than the plated. Gold filled jewelry won’t tarnish, has a long life span, and it’s much more durable than gold plated jewelry. However, it is more susceptible to dents and scratches, and after about 20-30 years, you can begin to see some slight fading of the color. It is easily adjusted.

24-karat gold is actually too soft to be used in most jewelry. 10-, 14-, and 18-karat golds are alloyed (mixed) with other metals to make them stronger. We use 18k.

Yellow gold is what most of us think of when we picture traditional gold jewelry. It’s often a mix of pure gold with silver, copper, and zinc. It’s the most hypo-allergenic and requires the least amount of maintenance of all the types of gold.

Rose gold’s “not quite gold, but not quite pink” color comes from alloying gold with copper. Because of the copper content, it’s more durable than yellow gold.

ABOUT STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

Sterling silver is an alloy, meaning it is a combination of metals (in this case, 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper). It is a heavier metal, making it slightly harder to adjust than the softer gold and plated pieces. It feels more substantial on the wrist.

While silver cannot rust, copper can, meaning sterling silver can rust and tarnish as well. Salt, in particular, is known to be a main cause of tarnishing in sterling silver. Use a polishing cloth to clean off any tarnish that may appear.

Sterling silver can also harmlessly turn your skin green because of a chemical reaction with moisture on your skin and the alloys in the metal, and is nothing to be concerned about health-wise. A clear nail polish or jewelry shield polymer can be applied on the inside to help prevent the reaction, but you will need to reapply every few weeks.

INTERESTED IN SOLID GOLD? CONTACT ME.