Frequently Asked Questions
For Metal Products:
Q: What metals make up pewter?
Pewter is a lead-free alloy of comprised of 93% tin and a 7% mixture of antimony, copper, and bismuth.
Q: How do I care for my pewter product?
Wash your pewter in warm water, using mild soap and a soft cloth. Dry with a soft cloth. Your pewter should never be exposed to an open flame or excessive heat. Store your pewter trays flat, cups upright, etc. to prevent warping. Do not wrap pewter in anything other than the original wrapping to prevent scratching. Never wrap pewter in tissue paper, as fine line scratching will occur. **Never put pewter in a dishwasher. Hand wash only! **
Q: How is caring for a pewter bracelet different from caring for other bracelets in my jewelry box?
Pewter is a relatively soft metal and will crack if bent repeatedly. To keep your pewter bracelet looking like new, open the bracelet slightly, slide onto wrist sideways and roll the bracelet into position on your wrist. Once you open it far enough to fit your wrist, you should not need to bend it to remove it or to put it on again. Do not open too far, as this can cause metal fatigue and eventual breakdown.
Q: Will my pewter tarnish?
Pewter does not undergo the chemical reaction to air exposure that silver does and therefore does not tarnish. Pewter may become slightly dull with a lot of use, and if you’d like to restore its shine, some good quality pewter polishes are available on the market.
Q: What is the difference between cast pewter and spun pewter?
Cast pewter pieces are crafted through a process called centrifugal casting where molten pewter is poured into molds that spin rapidly to push the air out and send the pewter to the edges of each mold. The molds are allowed to cool, then pieces are removed and prepared for finishing, whether to a smooth satin surface or a bright, shiny patina. Pewter spinning is an age-old technique, where a flat disk of pewter is clamped into the spinner’s lathe where it is gently formed into the desired vessel or shape. After spun pieces are complete, they are then polished to either a smooth satin finish or a bright mirror finish.
Q: What is the difference between sterling silver and silver plate?
Sterling silver is a metal that is 92.5% pure silver and therefore holds high value. Silver plate is an inexpensive base metal that is coated with a very thin layer of silver.
Q: How do I care for my sterling silver product?
Wash your sterling silver in warm water, using mild soap and a soft cloth. Dry with a soft cloth. Your sterling silver should never be exposed to an open flame or excessive heat. Store your sterling silver trays flat, cups upright, etc. to prevent warping. Do not wrap sterling silver in anything other than the original wrapping to prevent scratching. With proper care, your sterling silver will last for generations. **Never put sterling silver in a dishwasher. Hand wash only! **
Q: Will my sterling silver piece tarnish?
Yes. Over time, a chemical reaction can occur when the surface of your sterling piece is exposed to air. Dull gray or black tarnish can form on the surface of your piece. To remove tarnish, choose a high-quality polish made for sterling silver and follow the instructions provided with the polish. Always use a soft cloth when removing tarnish as paper products or a stiff material may cause scratching.
Q: What is cast aluminum?
Aluminum has a much higher melting point than pewter or sterling silver, so sand casting is the most effective method to create sturdy pieces made out of aluminum. Molten aluminum alloy is poured into sand molds and allowed to cool. The piece is then removed, prepped, and polished to the desired finish.
Q: How do I care for my cast aluminum piece?
Hand wash in warm, soapy water and towel dry. Never wash in the dishwasher! To prevent discoloration, do not store food on or in your aluminum products. Do not leave in water or any other liquid for a long period of time. This product cannot be used in a microwave. Polish with a good pewter or silver polish. To remove scratches, use a high quality silver polishing cloth. Aluminum products can be used in both the freezer and the oven.
Q: Can I put any metal products in the microwave?
No! You should never put any type of metal in a microwave as it can spark and potentially cause a fire.
For Ceramic Products:
Q: How do I care for my ceramic product?
Bowls, cups, and plates are dishwasher safe or they can be handwashed in warm, soapy water.
Banks should be hand washed if needed. Do not place banks in the dishwasher.
Q: Can I put my ceramic feeding items in the microwave?
Yes, ceramic bowls, plates, and cups are all microwave safe. Just be careful not to overheat, as items will be hot to the touch!
Q: How do I make the writing permanent on my birth record bank?
Write in your information with the DecoColor pen provided. If you make a mistake, quickly wipe it off with a bit of soap and water on a cloth and dry the area thoroughly. Once you get the information to your liking, pull the plug from the bottom and set aside. Place the bank in a 200 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove the bank carefully. Once it is all the way cool, the ink will be permanent!