How to Care for Your Crown or Tiara

1. Never touch the stones, always pick up the crown with two hands to place on your head or in a crown case. Never pick up a crown with one hand. The oils in your hands can dull the stones. Grasp the crown between the thumb and 4 fingers at the top and bottom edge of the rhinestone chain. This will keep your stones sparkling forever.

2. When not in use, always keep your crown in an airtight, secure box or bag to protect if form the air and moisture that will tarnish the silver metal. The silver finish on crowns is usually sterling silver plate that will tarnish if left out to the elements, just like any sterling silver item. If you find your crown has turned "dark" on the inside, you may use a sterling silver polishing cloth and wipe down the inside. Gold plated crowns will not tarnish. A crown case is your best option for keeping your crown sparkling, as it is specifically made for that.

3. The crown should be carried upright, not on its side, when possible. However, if your case requires you to carry from the side, you need to pad it properly with bubble wrap or something similar all around the sides of the crown, or create a domed center.

4. If you feel that the stones have gotten dull from not following these rules, then use mild soap and water or diluted Windex to clean. Take a couple paper towels and wet them with either solution and then wipe down the stones. Do not submerge the crown in water or solution. Never use polishes or creams.

This is a "lecture" that I give to all the ladies who buy my crowns on site or at an event. They are very happy to know this information, as they want to keep their crowns in good sparkling condition, as much as I do. I want people to compliment you on your crown, as you are my best salesperson! A happy customer wearing a "HOLLY HARDWICK ORIGINAL"! Thank you and enjoy your crown!