Care - Maintain Your Jewelry & Handbags The Right Way – Kendall Conrad

CARE

BAG CARE

Kendall Conrad Handbags are designed in eco award winning sustainable leathers that are a by-product of the food industry. We do not work with exotics, fur, or feathers. Our leathers get better with age and wear. However, to keep your leather goods in great condition follow these guidelines. For all bags please avoid heat, direct sunlight, rain, and oil.

STORE

Store your bags in a dark, dry, cool place to prevent fading or mildew issues. Keep it in the organic cotton dust bag it came in. This helps prevent dirt from collecting on the bag and allows free airflow. Do not use plastic bags. Plastic emits chemicals that can damage the leather.


CLEAN
Inside

For the inside of the bag, empty contents and shake out any debris and gently vacuum to remove every bit of dust and dirt.

Nubuck

Use a soft suede brush to clean in straight lines in the same direction. Brush lightly to “exfoliate” the dirt off the Nubuck and to not damage it. Nubuck can be sprayed with a protectant spray such as Kiwi brand, Scotch Guard, or Pecard Nubuck and Suede Protectant Spray to maintain a fresh look.

Suede

Dirt can be removed with a clean pink eraser or special suede eraser. Gently rub the eraser against the dirty part of the leather to help lift dirt without ruining the suede texture. You can also brush the suede gently with a special suede brush.

Leather

Use a soft brush or damp cloth to help clean a leather bag. Wipe the cloth across the material to remove dirt. Do not get the leather wet as it can stain and mildew. If your leather handbag does get wet, always wipe it off immediately. Let the bag air-dry. Do not use a blow dryer, as it will damage and dehydrate the leather.

Cotton Dust Bags

Our organic cotton dust bags can be washed in the washing machine with delicate soap in cold water, on Hand Wash mode and air dried.

 

CONDITION AND PROTECT

Make sure to use the right kind of conditioning product for different types of leather as they require different types of care. Suede and naked leathers usually only require a protective spray. Saddle and finished leather will probably just need a conditioning cream every once in a while. Saddle soaps and creams are good choices.

Applying protective and conditioning products before using a leather bag, and at regular intervals once the bag is in use helps to prevent drying, cracking, staining, and mildew. Always apply the product to a rag, never directly onto the leather as it can cause staining.

BAG REPAIRS

All Kendall Conrad leather goods are eligible for repair within one year of purchase. After one year, any repairs will be the responsibility of the customer. After one year, if requested we will repair the item for a fee. Repair fees are based on the condition and complexity of the repair, and the customer will be notified of the cost for approval and to initiate the process. We do not clean jewelry or leather products and recommend that leather products are scotch guarded to protect against future water, or soiling damage. Repairs can take up to 3 weeks for completion. The customer will be responsible for all shipping costs for all custom orders and repairs.

JEWELRY CARE

SOLID BRASS 

Our solid brass is made from sustainable, recycled pure copper and zinc ( 75% copper and 25% zinc), NO nickel is used. We keep it raw and hand polished to a bright shine to keep the color light and reflective. However with time, salt air or body chemistry, the nature of brass will patina and tarnish. When it changes, you can use our JEWELRY POLISHING CLOTH or gently clean your brass jewelry with dish soap and a soft brush. Be sure to rinse well and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. 

You can also use lemon juice: Pour one cup of water into a container. Squeeze half a lemon and pour the lemon juice into the water. Then add and stir in a teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Place your jewelry in the mixture until it reaches the desired color. Wash off the item and dry completely.

Once cleaned and dried, brass jewelry can be stored in a dry place, in the soft pouch it came in.


STERLING SILVER

Our hand polished 925 sterling silver jewelry is also raw and un-plated. Oxidation will occur over time and lack of wear, so please use these tips to care for your silver. We suggest storing your jewelry in the pouch that we provide. You can avoid tarnish by wearing your jewelry often. The oils in your skin will keep the metals bright. You can wipe with our JEWELRY POLISHING CLOTH  or silver paste or phosphate-free dish soap and an old toothbrush. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Once cleaned and dried, silver jewelry can be stored in a dry place, in the soft pouch it came in.

14K GOLD

While gold is tarnish resistant, it can get dirty or smudged. To care for your 14K gold jewelry, we recommend cleaning it with a mild detergent such as phosphate/chemical free dish soap. You can use a soft brush but avoid using an abrasive as it can scratch the gold. Be sure to rinse well and dry thoroughly.

Once cleaned and dried, gold jewelry can be stored in a dry place, in the soft pouch it came in.


GOLD PLATED
We offer thick (2.5 microns) 14K gold plating as an option for your Kendall Conrad jewelry. Our gold plating is applied on solid raw brass (no nickel) using real 14K gold in Los Angeles, California under the strictest safety (for both humans and environment) laws. It is very durable, and will remain shiny and bright and last a long time with good care. Clean using a soft uncoated cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You can also wash and soak it for a few minutes in warm water, using a gentle, non-abrasive soap and dry it with a soft cloth as needed. Do not use jewelry polishing cloths on gold plated jewelry, or metal cleaners or pastes.

Additional guidelines:

  • Remove your jewelry before you swim in chlorine or saltwater.
  • Remove your jewelry before sports and activities that will cause you to sweat a lot.
  • Wait to put on your jewelry until after you have applied lotion, makeup or perfume.
  • Store your plated jewelry in a soft bag, or individual jewelry box or compartment, one per piece of jewelry ideally.

JEWELRY REPAIRS
Kendall Conrad will repair your jewelry at no cost within reason. Jewelry repairs are eligible within one year of purchase. After one year, any repairs will be the responsibility of the customer. After one year, if requested we will repair the item for a fee. Repair fees are based on the condition and complexity of the repair, and the customer will be notified of the cost for approval and to initiate the process.

To request a repair, please contact the store at 805-886-8344 or by email: info@kendallconraddesign.com.
The customer will be responsible for all shipping costs.