FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you looking for that awesome layered statement necklace you saw on a friend? Do you need advice on how to care for your sterling silver jewelry? Curious about how to build your own layered charm necklace?
Below are some frequently asked questions. If your question isn't listed, please free to contact us.
Most of Coreen's charm necklaces are one-of-a-kind. She often creates necklaces in similar themes, but very rarely does she ever make two that are identicala. This is partly due to the fact that besides what you will find in the Coreen Cordova Collection, the necklaces are created using one-of-a-kind or Limited Edition charms.
One option for creating a statement necklace that is unique to you is contacting Coreen to schedule a consultation. She can help you in creating a piece with her currrent inventory.
Or, here are some tips for how to create a layered necklace.
1. Start by using your largest pendant as the centerpiece
2. As you design the necklace use large and medium pieces at the front and use smaller charms as you go up.
3. Distribute different colors and shapes evenly around the centerpiece.
4. Avoid "matching" colors or shapes directly across from one another — try to stagger a bit as you go up the chain.
5. Use an odd number of pendants for a balanced look.
Coreen's charms are made with an open hook so they slip on and off the chains easily. You use a special pair of jewelers pliers (available in the shop) to close the hook once you place it on the chain. Most of the charms are made from nickle-free triple-plated silver and so are very strong and ccan easily handle repepated opening and closing.
You can purchase The Hook and easily attach a pendant with a traditional hoop attachment!
Avoid Air/Moisture
Whether you choose the silver-plated chain or sterling silver, your silver will keep its shine longer if stored with the least amount of air/moisture exposure. A simple, though admittedly not very attractive, storage option is plastic bags. If your silver does begin to tarnish, use a soft silver cleaning cloth to bring back the shine. I highly recommend my favorite: Sunshine Polishing Cloths.
Use Polishing Cloth, Not Polish
We advise against using harsh abrasive cleaners or silver polish. This may damage many of the materials used in our jewelry. And, please exercise caution even with a polishing cloth -- bone (a common material found in our pendants) is very easily blemished by the black smudges from a polishing cloth.
Put Jewelry On After Makeup & Hair Styling
Beauty and body products such as hairspray, perfume, makeup, lotion, etc. may discolor or damage your jewelry. Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on.
Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Brightly colored beads will fade in sunlight. It is best to keep them in a drawer or jewelry box.
Grasp the toggle bar and hold it up so that the rest of the chain hangs down toward the floor. The pendants will naturally "untangle" or "untwist".
The materials used in the charms come from all over the world - including Mexico, Peru, China, Russia, India, and Bali. Coreen has either collected items on her travels or she has items sent to her to be turned into charms.
The silverwork is done by expert craftspeople in Mexico, imcluding the SIlver Chains.
The bezel is made from either nickle-free triple-plated silver or sterling silver.
We are here to serve you! We try to educate our customers, so they can make informed purchases as well as appreciate the history behind their jewelry. We encourage you to contact us and ask any questions that we may not have covered in our website.