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The passage of time will cause a slight darkening in the grooves of your jewelry's engraved details which showcases its distinctive workmanship. With time, you will also notice variations in shine that make your American Estate Jewelry yours alone.

The 24K gold plating on the jewelry's interior will attain a natural burnish after frequent contact with your skin. This is a common attribute of fine antique jewelry and table pieces which have gold embellishment. The gold on your piece's exterior -- which does not touch your skin -- will retain its color and shine, unless exposed to substances such as soapy or chlorinated water.

For the highest shine for sterling surfaces, Michael Galmer uses Hardesty Silversmith Spray which can be ordered by calling 800-348-5162. Michael sprays it on a Bounty paper towel and rubs the wet towel with moderate pressure over silver surfaces, avoiding rubbing any gold embellishment. Then, he takes a second clean Bounty towel and rubs sterling surfaces vigorously. The silver will sparkle.

For a subtle shine, Carolyn O'Keefe maintains her jewelry and sterling flatware very simply. She uses a very soft polishing cloth made for silver care, applies no product to the cloth and simply rubs vigorously for a heirloom glow.