MATERIAL & CARE

Here is a quick guide on how to take care of jewellery made from different types of metal.

Gold Vermeil jewellery has Sterling Silver(S925) as its base material. It uses a thicker type of gold plating that is more than 2.5 microns and is at least 10k (karats) or higher. This means that Gold Vermeil jewellery has a minimum of 41.7% gold. The Gold Vermeil jewellery listed on our stores are usually between 14-18k

• High Quality
• Tarnish Resistant
• Durable & Hypoallergenic

 

14K/18K Gold Filled jewellery are made of a variety of non-gold metals such as brass or copper and has a layer of gold on top. This layer of gold on top is much thicker than gold plated jewellery and gold vermeil. 14K Jewellery contains 58.3% gold while 18K Jewellery contains 75% gold.

• Doesn't wear off quite as easily as Gold-Plated jewellery
• Tarnish Resistant
• Durable & Hypoallergenic

 

14K/18K Gold-Plated jewellery contains 0.03-0.05% solid gold, and this thin gold layer is added onto the base metal via electroplating. The base metal is usually made of non-gold metals such as brass.

• Much more affordable
• Tarnish Resistant
• Hypoallergenic / Only if the gold layer is worn or peeled off may irritate sensitive skin

 

Rose Gold Plated Rose gold is real gold (75%) mixed silver and copper (25%). 

• More durable than yellow or white gold
• Affordable
• Contains more copper, it is more likely to change color when exposed to moisture or sweat.

 

White Gold Plated is real gold (75%) mixed palladium or nickel (25%).

• Durable
• Affordable
• Tarnish Resistant
• Can become scratched, especially when worn on a daily basis
• Nickel may be present in the gold alloy, may not be suitable for metal allergy sufferers

 

Sterling Silver(S925) jewellery consists of 92.5% silver, and the rest of it comprises copper.

• It can tarnish, easy to remove with polishers
• Durable & Hypoallergenic

Silver is not just a metal. It’s also considered an element, with the chemical symbol of Ag. 

While silver isn’t quite as rare as its cousins gold and platinum, silver is still considered a precious metal.

Sterling silver, in particular, is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy. They often alloy other metals – like copper, zinc, and platinum – with pure silver as the latter is too soft to use for anything durable or functional.  

While silver is beautiful, materials made with pure silver have a higher chance of losing their original shape. Silver is a very delicate metal and has a tendency to bend and snag easily. 

 

316L Stainless Steel is best known as the material used to make surgical instruments. This hard metal resists scratches and corrosion thanks to an invisible layer of chromium that prevents oxidation 

• Almost indestructible
• Resistant to tarnish and scratch proof; Rust-Proof
• Affordable
• Durable & Hypoallergenic
• Super easy to clean with warm water

 

CLEANING SILVER JEWELLERY

Sterling silver will tarnish over time. Silver reacts to moisture and chemicals in the air such as sulphur (in the same way it can react to perfumes and lotions on our skin). It is a completely normal and natural reaction.

Silver jewellery remains at its shiny best when worn daily or kept in a dry, air-tight box or bag. To clean any tarnishing, simply polish with your silver cloth to regain a silver finish.

Regular use of a silver cloth removes light tarnish and inhibits re-tarnishing, prolonging the original sparkle of your silver.

Silver is a soft metal, so its best to remove jewellery while cleaning or in situations where rings are likely to get knocked against hard surfaces.

Chemicals like chlorine and salt can damage silver so avoid wearing while swimming or when in the shower. Alway remove necklaces before sleeping and avoid storing in humid environments such as the bathroom.

 

CLEANING JEWELLERY WITH MATT / MATTE FINISHES

To keep matt finishes clean, wash gently with warm, soapy water. Make sure it is fully dry before returning to its box or airtight bag for storage. Avoid using a polishing cloth as it may remove the matt finish (if needed, just rub lightly). Matt finishes are a surface treatment so they will naturally fade with wear (becoming more shiny over time).

Tip: Gently sanding with an ultra fine sanding sponge or steel wool, in one direction, will lift the matt finish after fading.

CLEANING NECKLACE CHAINS AND DELICATE SILVER

For tarnished chains and delicate or detailed silver jewellery a silver bath or "silver dip" may be required.

It’s incredible how quickly it strips your silver of any grease or tarnish and returns it to its former glory. It is able to reach deep crevasses and fine detail, so for silver lovers this is a handy product to have at home.

It is important to rinse very well with warm water to remove any residue before drying.

Once fully dry, rub with a silver polishing cloth to help slow re-tarnishing and give the piece a brighter shine and a protective layer. 

Make sure the piece is fully dry and polished before returning to its box or airtight bag for storage.  

Tip: Gently brush with an soft toothbrush to remove any imbedded dirt in deep crevasses.

ANTI TARNISH TIP

If you don't have a jewellery box, we advise you keep your silver jewellery in the box it came in or inside a ziplock bag or air tight container. Add in any silica gel packs you have (often found in shoe boxes and vitamin jars) known as desiccants, they absorb moisture so will help prevent and slow tarnish.

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