December 02, 2011

Can I Wash My Blitz Cloth?

The query, “Can I wash the Blitz cloth after it turns black”, is a frequently asked question (FAQ) by our customers and consumers.



The quick answer is "No" -- but with one or two exceptions as below.



Most consumers ask if they clean our polishing cloths such as item 118 (Sterling Silver Shine Cloth) or item 9617 . Again, the answer is no, they should not be washed. It removes the special cleaning ingredients.



However, we do have two cloth selections that can be washed.



The first is untreated microfiber cloth, such as item 7808 . It is used to clean fingerprints and dust from items as diverse as computer monitors, eyeglasses, binoculars, or even fashion jewelry. You may wash this cloth, but we do suggest that if you use it to clean jewelry do not then use the same unwashed cloth to clean your glasses.



The other item is our traditional presentation cloth . This cloth is used to present soft stones, jewels, or precious jewelry to consumers in a retail store environment. As it is made of a special type of 100% cotton, it is soft and can be used over and over again. It is perfectly acceptable to wash this cloth.



To summarize, if a Blitz cloth you use is a "polishing cloth" do not wash it. You will remove all of the ingredients. If your cloth is untreated, and the instructions specifically say that it is approved for washing, then you can wash it.



November 28, 2011

How to Clean Pewter

Cleaning Pewter

At Blitz, we often get emails asking us how to clean pewter.   Here are a few suggestions.

Pewter is a silvery-grey metal alloy consisting mostly of tin with traces of antimony and copper.  The constituents vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and virtually all modern pewter is lead-free.  (If you have an antique, you can have a specialist test it.)

Cups, mugs, jewelry, pendants, ornaments, and replicas are made of pewter.

If you use pewter cups and mugs, citrus drinks, colas, salad dressings, and other drink and food can cause pitting and stains.  Once this happens, it is difficult – and may be impossible - to remove these blemishes.

If you place a pewter item near a flame or hot oven or stove, it could melt.  Pewter tends to melt at 450 degrees, about the temperature that toasts bread.

Most manufacturers don't recommend automatic dishwashers for pewter, only hand washing.

Pewter should not tarnish (it has no silver).

There are basically three types of pewter finish:  Polished, Satin, and Oxidized. 

Polished pewter is shiny and smooth.  If it becomes covered in fingerprints, or faintly scratched from use, you can use Blitz #7808 on a regular basis to clean it.  Always remember to wash or rinse first, since dust particles may cause worse scratches if not removed before wiping.  If the piece is extremely scratched, then you may have to take it to a jeweler or antique professional for cleaning.

You may also try our Blitz 9617 cloth.  Do not use a cloth that has previously been used to clean silver, gold, or platinum – use a fresh cloth.  Start in a small area and test the surface first to make sure you will be pleased with the results.  Use gentle pressure and polish in circular motion.  The cloth will turn dark – this is normal.  As the cloth turns dark, use a fresh surface to clean.  Don't use this cloth with other jewelry. 

Satin finish pewter.  This surface looks somewhat frosted, or slightly rough.  It can also look grainy.  Wash with warm soap and water, or use our #657 foaming cleaner.  Foam on, rinse off, then buff with a clean, soft cloth.  Our #7808 cloth is fine for this.  Don't use Blitz jewelry polishing cloths for this finish unless you consult with your retailer or antique dealer.  There are just too many manufacturers and varieties of satin pewter finishes to make a caveat judgment.

Oxidized-surface finish pewter.  This surface naturally looks dark, so all that's needed is to wash with mild soap and water on a regular basis.  Blitz 657 will also work well for this application.

Certain ornamental pewter may have gold, encrusted jewels, and raised surfaces or even filigree.  In the case of an item like this, carefully read any manufacturers directions and follow them.

Antiques, heirlooms, art pieces, and one of a kind items.  In the case of antiques don't clean them until you consult with an antique dealer, or conservator.  For artistic items, consult with the artist or artist's representative and distributor.  For one of kind items, mementoes, and heirlooms carefully consider cleaning and storage choices, and how those choices will affect future value.  Consult with an expert prior to cleaning or restoring.  For very old pieces, check for lead content before handling, cleaning, or using for food or drink.

Routine cleaning can be maintained by using Blitz 657 foaming cleaner and 7808 microfiber cloth.

October 27, 2011

Cleaning Diamond Substitutes

Technological breakthroughs in the 20th century make it currently possible to have similar clear, luminescent stones that mimic the hardness or appearance of natural diamonds.

Diamonds are an important symbol of marriage and engagement and, due to their rarity and scarcity, are highly desirable to make jewelry. They have been somewhat controversial, in that a few countries use these (so-called blood) diamonds to fund revolutionary activities. Therefore, most diamonds now traded have microscopic, unseen, numbering marks for tracking purposes.

Rest assured, these markings will not wash off in Blitz® cleaners. Our cleaners are non-toxic, and they contain no alcohol, no ammonia, nor VOC's. Simply choose one of our several Blitz® Gem and Jewelry Cleaner items and follow the easy to use directions.

Here is a summary of our items, each with convenient features and benefits to choose from depending on whether traditional use and presentation are important, or if freight is a consideration , or if you need a travel item, or high profile sales point of presentation (POP) items.

651, 655, 692, 656, 659, 657, 653

Because diamonds are both popular and rare, their value is high and their price can be intimidating.  Some of these are now referred to as "sunshine diamonds" or "chocolate diamonds" and are cleaned just like traditional diamonds using the cleaners listed above.  (Always consult your trusted local jeweler for specific advice).    

Because of the current economic environment, these expensive diamonds have less expensive alternatives or substitutes available.  Blitz® has cleaners for these, too.

We do want to caution that the jeweler is an expert at what you've purchased, so make sure you consult your jeweler for any reassurances you may need, especially if your item is an antique, one-of-a-kind item, a piece of jewelry art, or an heirloom.

Rhinestones, are specially created objects of glass, quartz, or other clear, hard materials. Some discussion is neeed for the right cleaning choices. 
 
For Swarovski (Austria), Preciosa (Czech Republic ) or 'Austrian Crystal', care must be taken. We recommend asking your seller if the stones are colored or enhanced with dyes or stains that will easily be washed off by water based compounds. If so, we recommend using only gentle dusting with our 7808 product.

For hard plastic, acrylic, Lucite, or any other non-mineral stone get advice from the seller, and use only light dusting with our 7808 item.
Cubic Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) has been used as a diamond substitute (faux diamond) since about 1976. Even though the hardness is rated at 7.5 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale vs. 10 for a diamond, you may use our Blitz® cleaners (as mentioned in the list above) with confidence.

Please be aware that Zircon (zirconium silicate) is not the same as cubic zirconia. Zircon resembles diamond in luster and fire and colorless zircons have occasionally been mistaken for diamonds by experienced jewelers. It may be found in brown and green stones, and some can be synthesized (heat treated) to blue or golden color. Colorless material is produced in this way as well. Zircons well over 5 carats are common, and they only are 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are 10). Blitz® Gem and Jewelry cleaner can also clean these stones.

White Sapphires (Aluminum Oxide): In 1902, a French chemist - Auguste Verneuil White – determined a process to make synthetic sapphires. From that time, these synthetic sapphires were used as diamond substitutes. They are hard (9.0 on the Mohs scale). Be aware that larger white sapphires are deceptively diffused with a blue coating and sold as blue sapphire. For clear white sapphires, our Blitz® Gem and Jewelry cleaner will clean effectively. If you have a dyed stone, check with your jeweler or seller and make sure the dye is not water soluble – and will not wash off if immersed in water.

Colored or dyed stones should not be immersed in Blitz® Gem and Jewelry cleaner unless your jeweler approves. Cleaning can be done with a 7808 cloth.

October 27, 2011

How to Clean Bronze



Bronze is a very old alloy, yet cleaning it can be complicated.

First, be careful to differentiate brass and bronze. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, usually has a smooth yellowish surface, and is relatively easy to clean. Upon the first appearance of tarnish (darkening) use Blitz 105 cloth!

Bronze is a hard, heavy alloy made of copper and tin. Scuptures or items are usually cast by the lost wax process. A wax image is created, encased in a mold which is heated to an extreme temperature. The wax is burned away at these hot temperatures, and the empty cavity is filled with bronze.

The casting is cleaned, and while warm a wax is applied. Since the bronze surface is porous, the wax eases into the surface and keeps air and moisture from penetrating and causing the copper inside the bronze to tarnish.

If an item is kept indoors, bronze tarnishes very, very slowly. It might take many months to show any effect, or even years. A simple dusting and periodic washing with a mild cleaner is necessary. The more washing, the more wax will be removed, and eventually air will get to the surface.

Rewax your inside item one or two times a year. There are many commercial products for this purpose.

However, frequently used and frequently washed items will darken. Unused pieces might sit in a garage for years. Then, once rediscovered, cleaning is needed.

A recent article (Chemical and Engineering News, 7 September 2009, page 53) explained that scientists examining a wide range of museum items found that there are three basic sculpture items: High zinc brass, Low zinc brass, and tin-bronze. Make sure that the item you have is brass or bronze first. That will involve showing it to an expert in antiques.

If you have an item that is bronze and dark, you must make a personal decision. Cleaning will sometimes affect the value of an item. However, if you decide you want to clean the item, consult an expert.

Tarnish should be judged with three criteria. Is it dark, is it black, or is it green? Then grade the intensity of the tarnish.

If the bronze is dark, and you must have it lightened, hand rubbing is probably the best solution, and the Blitz 105 cloth would be best. Simply rub the cloth over the metal lightly until the color is restored. Wash the item, and re-wax.

If the bronze item is black, the copper has reacted with oxygen and sulfur. If you decide this must be removed, determine how deep the metal is affected. The corrosion could be extreme, and pits may have developed. The tarnish can be removed with great difficulty, and the surface will then be shiny again, but scarred. If so, then judgment will be needed if the surface should be smoothed. All this will take a great deal of time, patience, and possibly special tools and ingredients. An expert should be consulted.

If the bronze is in various shades of green, greenish-blue, mottled with gray and earth tone blues, stop and consider what the next step should be. This is usually a highly desirable appearance, and much thought should be taken before cleaning. It is the natural state for a copper-tin alloy to turn an earth tone greenish-blue. This actually protects the metal. This will often be seen in garden sculptures.

A useful site is by Richard Rist largeart which explains how to clean an outside sculpture that you want to have remain a metallic-bronze. Essentially, washing and re-waxing periodically is required. Waxing will rarely last longer than 3 months outdoors.

There are a number of online household cleaning solutions. These essentially amount to creating a home made acid-paste.

The first is known as the vinegar, salt and flour paste incubation: This creates a form of dilute hydrochloric acid soak. The same thing worked when you were a child, and cleaned pennies by swirling them around in a solution of salt crystals, salt water, and vinegar. The effect will probably produce a reddish raw look when used.Then the piece will need to be polished. The pores of the metal will be open and will no longer match the copper-tin alloy beneath, since more of the copper will have been rinsed away.

Citric acid base cleaning involves the use of lemon juice and baking soda. The baking soda tends to be gritty, thus making a mild acidic polish. The mix should be used quickly, lest the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate neutralize one another.

Though usually reserved for brass, the Blitz 105 cloth is precisely the kind of cloth that will have mild, balanced ingredients that will clean this kind of bronze. After the polishing, a tarnish resistant ingredient will be left behind.

Today's technology is confused by marketing terms. There are many new alloys of copper, tin, zinc, aluminum, and trace metals. One of these is light weight, aluminum bronze. On this and other modern alloys, consult a metallurgical, or other metal specialist on how to clean and preserve these items.

Is your bronze lacquer coated, polymer coated, or varnished? If so, you should not see tarnish. If you do see tarnish, then you have a decision to make. You can clean only that portion which is tarnished, but if you do, it's likely that the polished section will no longer match the pristine surface still under the original coating. If that's acceptable, recoat the item. Otherwise, a laborious process of stripping the entire item lies ahead of you, cleaning, and then recoating.

October 27, 2011

Never Put Gold Rings in Silver Cleaner.



There is a simple reason. When you clean silver in any silver cleaner (and we hope you use Silver Shine™ Instant Silver Cleaner by Blitz) there remain tarnish ions in solution. Therefore do not put gold into the same solution.

Silver tarnishes in two ways.

One means is by the sulfur fumes in the air. You may not smell or feel them, but they're there. In urban environments, or if you're in a path of coal fired utility smokestack fumes, or even if you live in an area (like French Lick, Indiana) that has sulfur in the ground, you will see silver tarnish quickly.

First it turns almost golden, then a bit purplish, finally it darkens to brown and then black. If you catch it when it first turns yellowish, you can quickly in one or two strokes with a polishing cloth, remove the tarnish. If you use Blitz 9618 or other Blitz silver cleaning and polishing cloths, the ingredients in the cloth will keep the silver from retarnishing as quickly.

Another way that silver turns black is by exposure to chlorine. Even a small amount will do this. Sitting by, or even walking by a swimming pool can instantly turn silver black. Working with household bleach will cause fumes to drift through the house and the silver will absorb them. Beaches have a lot of salt, and therefore chlorine will be in the air.

Once you immerse your silver in a cleaning solution, silver tarnish atoms will migrate into solution. It's unavoidable. Then, when you place a yellow or white gold ring in the same liquid, the tarnish ions may flock to the gold. Your ring may turn odd shades of colors. It may turn gray, or even brown. Once that happens, you may have to make a trip to your local jeweler and have it professionally cleaned.

This same thing could happen in your jewelry cleaner. If you clean a lot of rings, you should have one cleaner for gold rings and one for silver items. For a small investment, it's best to keep two jars of liquid nearby. We hope that you use Blitz 651, Gem and Jewelry Cleaner.

November 09, 2011

How To Clean Silver

What is Tarnish, Why Silver Jewelry Tarnishes and How to Store It

Storing silver or sterling silver in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can often cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnishing is a normal process and is caused by oxidization and moisture from air. The actual compound that makes up tarnish is called silver sulfide which is directly related to the amount of sulfur in the air. The best way to keep silver jewelry tarnish free is to keep it in a dark, dry place.

Tarnishing is caused by oxidization and moisture in the air. Tarnish looks a little different on gold and copper, and the chemical process are different in both gold and silver. Tarnishing occurs when natural gases in the earth's atmosphere (Hydrogen Sulphide) react with the surface of your silver. Tarnish starts as a light yellow discoloration of silver; it then starts to change to darker shades of brown as the tarnish gets to be more severe. Tarnish is not dirt, and dirt must be cleaned off with jewelry cleaner or soap and water before you remove the tarnish. Homemade cleaners are sometimes fine for diamonds in gold or platinum, but stronger solutions get risky with some of the other metals, which can be tarnished, depending on exactly what cleaner you're using and how strong. Jewelry lovers can now clean all jewelry metals removing all dull tarnish from platinum, yellow gold, white gold, sterling silver, and titanium jewelry metals with Blitz products.

These exciting new and continuously improved products make the arduous process of cleaning silver easier by providing a no fuss, no muss way of polishing silver quickly and flawlessly using dry, disposable cloths impregnated with tarnish removers and tarnish control chemicals. These pleasant smelling, non-toxic silver cleaners use the electro-chemical properties of the tarnish on silver coupled with the special formula and a top secret cleaning solution to literally pull the tarnish off your silver. Blitz's polishing cloths and silver polish make the arduous process of cleaning silver easier by providing a no fuss, no muss way of polishing silver quickly and flawlessly using dry cloths impregnated with tarnish removers and tarnish control.

One good suggestion to help reduce tarnish and keep your silver jewelry tarnish free for months at a time, is to keep your jewelry in an air-tight protective bag. Try to use a tarnish proof cloth or you can use a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene. Some plastic contains sulfur compounds which can cause your jewelry to tarnish faster or even stain! Never use polyvinyl plastic bags, such as garbage bags.

Silver jewelry isn’t scratch resistant and it isn't scratch proof; you should store your jewelry so that it isn't rubbing up against other jewelry or wood, like in a jewelry box. It is good to remember that wood usually contains acids that can mar a finish.

How to Clean Silver and Sterling Silver Jewelry

Using a Cloth:
Clean your sterling silver jewelry with a soft 100% cotton (nub and prill free) cloth or flannel cloth and gently rub off any excess makeup. Silver is a very soft metal and it can be scratched it is rubbed too briskly. Never use anything but a clean, special sterling silver cleaning cloth. Paper, polyester, and coarse fabrics may contain wood or other fibers and even synthetics that can cause tiny scratches in the surface of fine sterling silver jewelry. Dirt left over from previous cleanings can scratch the surface as well.

Try the Blitz Ultra Silver Cleaning and Polishing Cloth:
The Blitz Ultra Silver Cleaning & Polishing Cloth is a 100% cotton flannel cloth. The inner cloth cleans and the outer cloth polishes. Formulated for all fine sterling silver and silver-plate. 12" x 15

Types of Liquid Cleaners to use:
To remove light dirt, fingerprints or makeup just use a small amount of Blitz Silver Polish. (This is specially designed for Silver! Dish Soap and other home made jewelry cleaners are not specifically designed for this.) Unlike pastes and other silver polishes, the Blitz Silver Care Polish is a liquid polish with tarnish inhibitors to clean and restore a mirror like finish to heavily tarnished silver flatware, hollowware and silver service.



Blitz Silver Polish Not all paste cleaners are recommended for soft, porous gemstones, so care must be taken to use the appropriate polish or cleanser that will not harm your gemstones.

Blitz, one of the only makers of completely non-toxic jewelry cleaner, makes a wonderful product called, “Blitz Silver Shine”. Blitz Silver Shine is designed to remove tarnish from silver jewelry in seconds by utilizing a revolutionary new electrochemical process and is packaged in a wide mouth jar to easily clean larger pieces of silver jewelry.

Blitz Silver Shine

June 20, 2011

How to Clean Fashion and Costume Jewelry

 How to Clean Fashion and Costume Jewelry

There are several kinds of Costume and Fashion Jewelry. Blitz products can assist you in cleaning many of these. The broad categories are: Composites, Plated, Antique, Plastic and Metal.

Composite and Art Jewelry.

Art jewelry should never be cleaned without the advice of the artist who designed the item or their designated representative. It can be fragile, and any cleaning can cause irreparable harm if not done to exacting specifications.

Composite jewelry can be made of precious or non-precious metals, minerals, stones, cloth, wood, paper, plastic, pottery, or any other item the artisan can imagine. Therefore, each piece is unique, and manufacturers instructions should be consulted and followed.

Stage or Theater Items.

These items are usually limited use items. They can easily get soiled from actor's makeup and perspiration, or fade under the bright lights. It is best to consult with a professional theater artist who will examine your items and determine how best to clean them.

June 15, 2011

How To Clean And Care For Brass

What Is Brass?

Brass is an alloy.  That means two metals are melted and blended together to make a unique new property.  In the case of brass, it's any alloy of copper and zinc.  On their own, copper will turn blue, green, or dark and tarnish rapidly.  Zinc will also turn very dark.  Together, they are much more resistant to tarnish, oxidation, and give very valuable properties.

What is Bronze?

Bronze is very different.  Unfortunately, some folks call brass "bronze", probably because some alloys or textures of brass resemble bronze.  Bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin.  We do not recommend cleaning brass.  If a discoloration or something happens to the aesthetics consult your antique dealer, the artist, or a preservation consultant.  Keep free from dust by gently dusting.  Our Blitz 7808 will assist in this.

Brass Patina.

If you have brass that is a work of art, and you want to maintain a patina, do NOT clean it.  If a discoloration to the patina occurs, immediately consult your antique dealer, the artist, or a preservation consultant.

Why is brass important? 

Brass has a number of valuable properties.  It can be cast with the lost wax process.  Jewelry can be made this way.  It can be ground, sawn, cut, and polished.  It has a golden appearance that many people find pleasing in decorative items.  It is very strong, and hard so hinges and locks can be made of this.  Since it has copper, it's conductive to electricity so many appliances have brass parts.  When struck, it generates tones so music boxes and bells are made of brass.  Musical instruments are made of brass because they resist rain, weather, and vibrate to make beautiful music.

Brass tarnish.

Despite brass resistance to tarnish, we live in a world that has a lot of air pollution.  It does turn dark.  It needs to be polished periodically.

Lacquered (coated) Brass.

Many manufacturers have eliminated tarnish by adding a coating of some type to keep air from getting to the brass.  No air, no tarnish, usually.  Some manufacturers use a lacquer, or other polymer coating to keep the brass from tarnishing.  Some add a plastic coating.  If you have a piece of brass and it's coated, but you see tarnish, then there is a big issue.  It means that the coating has worn off, or worn through somehow, and air is leaking into the brass.  There are only two things that can happen at this point.  The entire coating has to be stripped, the item cleaned, and then a coating has to be reapplied.  Otherwise, once the coating has been removed, cleaning has to be done periodically.  Even a coated item gets dirty.  Blitz has cleaning items that will help you with this. 

Gold plated brass.

Often, a piece of brass jewelry or decorative item will be coated with gold.  Usually this is 24 K (pure) gold, but not always.  Be very careful cleaning these items.  The gold is layered very thinly – some thinner than others.  Once the gold flakes off, or rubs off, or is removed, only brass remains.  One thing that can often happen is that the gold plating is so thin, or has micro-fractures, so when the items is cleaned in water, or jewelry cleaner, the gold flakes off.  It is impossible to predict when this will happen, but you need to have your jeweler clean and replate the item if you begin to see your gold-plated item turn dark or see bubbles form under the surface.

Blitz Cleaning Products.

Blitz has several ways to clean brass.  All of these are non-toxic and have been used by consumers for generations.  They are all made in America's Heartland, in Indiana.  Our products are offered in print in many languages.  Ask us.

Blitz #105.  http://www.blitzinc.net/product/105/Industrial_Strength_Metal_Care_Cloth.html


In 1912, Blitz created the first metal care cleaner with "the polish is in the cloth".  Previous to this, a rag and a tin of brass polish had to be used.  With the "Blitz cloth" all you did was remove it from the package and clean.  The U.S. Army loved this idea and so from WWI, through war and peacetime, troops "Blitzed" their rifles, brass medals, and anything else that could be polished.  The still do.  You can see many versions of our historic packaging on our web site.  This cloth is non-toxic, oil based.  Not for coated items.

Blitz # 109 Tarnish Eater 

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/109/Brass_Tarnish_Eater.html

This is our water-based version of brass polish.  It still has "the polish is in the cloth", but has extra ingredients to put a barrier on the brass to delay tarnish formation. Not for coated items.

Blitz # 93109  Blitz Ultra Brass Polishing Cloth

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/93109/Brass_Polishing_Cloth.html

This is the same Tarnish Eater cloth in a more classic, decorative package.  Not for coated items.

Blitz # 609 Brass Care Polish 

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/609/Brass_Care_Polish.html

This is a water-based formula that polishes, and adds a barrier that resists tarnish.  Has a paste-consistency.  Not for coated items.

Blitz # 20609 

This is the same Tarnish Eater cloth in a dazzling, modern POP designer carton.  Not for coated items.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/20609/Brass_Shine_Polishing_Cloth__20609.html

Blitz 20636 

For house ware brass, this is our classic Tarnish Eater formula.  It's water-based, and has a very fluid consistency.  Not for coated items.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/20636/Brass_Shine_Liquid_Polish__20636.html

Blitz # 336 

For cymbal care, this is the polish that's been used for generations.  Not for coated items.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/336/Cymbal_Care_Polish.html

Blitz # 312 

Blitz Cymbal Care cloth.  Used by musicians for decades.  Not for coated items.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/312/Blitz_Cymbal_Care_Cloth.html

Blitz # 306 

Perfect for your lacquer-coated brass band instruments.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/306/Blitz_Gloss_Care_Cloth_for_Band_Instruments.html

Blitz # 303 

Blitz Metal Care Cloth for Instruments is great for all soft metal band and musical instruments, including brass.  Not for coated items.

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/303/Blitz_Metal_Care_Cloth_for_Instruments.html


Blitz # 122 

Lacquered Metal Care Cloth is great for your coated items.  (Same item as 20122.)

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/122/Lacquered_Metal_Care_Cloth.html

June 15, 2011

How to Clean and Care for Alternative Metals

Alternative Metals

In a recent JCK Magazine article it's made clear that the popularity of alternative metals is accelerating.

Blitz has a number of cleaning choices for these new economic-fashion metals.

Some jewelers prefer the term 'contemporary metals' to alternative metals.  Either term is a contrast to traditional precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum.  With gold now over $1,500 an ounce, and silver trading at near-record levels, consumers are looking for attractive items to fit their stressed pocketbook.


Palladium

The first metal is the "other white metal", palladium.  It's a precious metal, a member of the platinum family, with a somewhat whiter look.   It tends to be less expensive and therefore more is being introduced.  Palladium does not tarnish.  Therefore our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html 

are recommended for cleaning simple palladium bands, and precious hard-stone mountings.  Jewelry can be very complex, so make sure you ask your jeweler for advice if for some reason you have a soft or porous stone mounted on a palladium substrate.  Often, palladium is used for earrings and bracelets, so this can be a possibility.

As always, if your jewelry is plated with any precious metal, always consult your jeweler for care and advice.  Rubbing or brushing a thinly-plated piece of jewelry may wear the plating and be detrimental.  In this case, use our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:


http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Trendy Metals

Trendy, alternate metals are stainless steel, titanium and tungsten. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel rarely tarnishes, but is susceptible to other issues.  Depending on the grade, stainless steel over time can begin to look dry as it loses some of the oils that lubricate it.  BLitz recommends using  item # T040060GX, our silicone cloth (special order).

To clean dirt from stainless steel rings worn on a  day to day basis, we recommend our  #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Iridescent Titanium

Titanium is versatile.  In thin sheets, it can be specially tinted so that iridescent colors occur.  For this delicate jewelry, we recommend #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:


http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Titanium Metal

For durable white metal titanium bracelets and other jewelry, we recommend our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html

and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Titanium and Other Removable Body Jewelry

Titanium is often seen used in body jewelry since it's hypoallergenic.  For removable body jewelry, use our #9617 Blitz Jewelry Care Cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/9617/Jewelry_Care_Cloth.html

and #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Caution:  However do not use our product directly on non-removable body jewelry.  While our products are non-toxic, we don’t want you to use them near piercings.  Only use products recommended by your trusted body-jeweler.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a very hard metal.  It resists impacts, scratches, and abrading.  It rarely shows corrosion.  That's why it's good for sports.  It maintains a high luster, so we recommend cleaning it with #651 Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/651/Gem_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

Alternative Alternatives

This is an industry catch-all phrase that represents the ultimate in complexity in jewelry.  There are numerous trade names, and brands, but these tend to be a blend of either a few precious metals (like gold and silver mixed) or unique alloys or even a composite of woods, metals, fibers, and stones.

The best advice is to use caution.  If you wear these items in the shower or while swimming, then it's safe to use #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Composite Jewelry

If these are delicate, fragile, art-work, or heirlooms then only use what your artist, jeweler, or antique dealer recommends.  Use of any other cleaner may be detrimental to your composite item.

Rhodium Plated Items

See our article at:

http://www.blitzinc.net/category/info.how_to_clean_your_rhodium_plated_jewelry/

Anodized Items

Anodized items are usually non-precious metals that have been specially coated in process that makes the surface not only very hard and durable, but colorful.  Medals, pins, and other ornamental jewelry are made this way,

We recommend using #661, Blitz Fashion Jewelry Cleaner:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/661/Fashion_Jewelry_Cleaner.html

and our #7808, Blitz microfiber cloth:

http://www.blitzinc.net/product/7808/Microfiber_Cloth.html

Reference Article

*Alternative Metals Show Their Mettle

By Rob Bates, Senior Editor -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/1/2008

http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6574609.html

June 15, 2011

Choose a Customized Cloth

Sizes

Blitz offers a wide variety of customized products in as small as 144 each.  No one offers the variety or styles, colors, or variety as Blitz.

Blitz measures cloth in the open size in inches.  This means if you buy a 4" x 6" cloth, it appears as a 4" x 3" folded cloth, usually in a polybag with an instruction sheet.

Packaging Options: Private Label Our Specialty

While most customers take cloths in a polybag, or a vellum envelope, Blitz can provide full color inserts, special customization, high P.O.P. designer cartons, special envelopes, and more.  If you can think of a way to customize polishing cloth presentation, Blitz can work with you on your idea or Blitz can suggest a number of ways that are already available.


Traditional Offerings



Our common items are

  • 4" x 6"
  • 6" x 8"
  • 8" x 10"
  • 10" x12"
  • 12 x 15"

  • New Standard Size! 11" x 14"






    It is no secret that commodity prices have soared, and cotton is no exception.  However, we have a new opportunity for you to save $$.  We are now offering a new 11" x 14" cloth size that may assist you in a better price point.  


    Metric Sizes

    Blitz frequently get requests in metric sizes.  No problem.  If you need metric sizes, please call to discuss this. 



    Single Ply Options


    Blitz offers a number of single ply imprinted cloths that can fit your budget.  Call us at 800-284.2548 or 812.284.2548 and discuss the possibilities.  (Email at sales@blitzinc.com).


    Microfiber Options

    Traditional polishing cloths are made of cotton - a bio-renewable agricultural product - but for the descriminating customer, Blitz now offers treated, luxurious feeling, microfiber cloth.  We can treat this for 

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum
  • Rhodium Plated Silver Option
  • Pearl Cleaning and Soft Stone Cleaning
  • Bracelets
  • Watch Bands or More!

  • Call or Email us Today and ask about the possibilities for your store and your needs.


    Flannel Cloth Colors and Inks Available

    Below you will find our Rainbow Chart of our Nine! Standard Colors and 18 Standard Ink Colors.  Yes, Blitz can do PMS ink colors, so call us for those details and costs.  




    Flannel Cloth Colors and Inks Available.  Interior treated colors are white or maize for standard; large minimums may be required for other treated colors.  Call or Email for Information.  PMS colors have fees associated with them.  Microfiber exterior is available in white only right now.  Blitz reserves the right to change without notice published or unpublished fees, prices, sizes, and color options.  Force Majeure may sometimes apply.

    Blitz Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    Toll Free 800.356.0860
    Phone 812.284.2548
    Fax 812.288.7766
    Email sales@blitzinc.com