HOW DO I CARE FOR MY STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY?

Sterling Silver is an alloyed metal, normally made of 92.5% pure silver and other metals. The hallmark for Sterling Silver is – 925. Sterling Silver is a popular metal because of its affordability and malleability, but is also tarnishes because of its composition. Tarnish is simply the result of a chemical reaction with oxygen or sulphur particles in the air. With a few easy to follow tips, you can take care of your Sterling silver jewellery and make it last for years to come.

HOW DO I PREVENT TARNISH?

Knowing what’s harmful to your sterling silver jewellery is the best way to combat tarnish.

1. One of the easiest ways to prevent tarnish is to simply wear your silver often as opposed to letting it sit in a jewellery box unworn.
2. Remove during household chores. Household cleaners, chlorinated water, perspiration and rubber will accelerate corrosion and tarnish.
3. Put your jewellery on last. Lotions, makeups, hair spray and perfumes will accelerate tarnishing.
4. Remove your jewellery before swimming, chlorine can cause it to tarnish.
5. Keep you jewellery away from Bleach as it a very harsh chemical
6. We stock Silver jewellery cleaning dip and silver polishing cloths. Please read instructions on labels carefully and use these to clean your silver jewellery.

HOW CAN I CLEAN PEARLS:

Cultured pearls are delicate and require proper care. They can’t be maintained the same way as your gold and silver jewellery.

1. After every wear, wipe your pearls with a soft damp cloth to re move any build-up of oils or other substances that may have come into contact with your Pearls during the day.
2. If your Pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and Dove Soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in and wipe the pearls. Submerging the Pearls in water will cause the silk thread to weaken.
3. Let them dry completely before storing.
4. Last on first off is the golden rule with Pearls. Pearls should be the final touch to your outfit. Avoid applying makeup, hairspray, lotion or perfume once your Pearls are on.
5. Store them flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching.
6. Wear them often. Pearls do best in a moist environment, so wearing them often keeps them from drying out.
7. Have your Pearls restrung once a year Pearls should be strung with a knot between each Pearl to prevent loss if the silk thread breaks.
8. We offer a Pearl cleaning and restringing service. Contact us to find out more about this service.

CARE OF ROSE GOLD AND YELLOW GOLD PLATED, STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY:

With proper care you’re Rose or Yellow gold plated 925 Sterling Silver jewellery can last a few years.

Here are some steps to take to extend the life of your plated jewellery.

1. Keep any plated jewellery away from chemicals, sanitizers, oils, perfume and make up.  It is a good idea to always put your plated jewellery on after applying makeup, hair spray and perfumes.
2. Make sure your hands are clean when putting on/taking off your plated jewellery.
3. Do not expose your plated jewellery to chlorinated or salty water.  Remove your jewellery before swimming in pools, hot tubs or the sea.
4. Body oils and sweat can impact the plating. To counter this, wipe the jewellery down or clean it frequently to get rid of pollutants.
5. Cleaning your plated jewellery regularly is important to prolong its life.  Use a mild liquid soap and warm water to clean.

Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Avoid brushing or rubbing the plated jewellery as this will wear the plating off and expose the silver below.

CARE OF YOUR TUNGSTEN CARBIDE RING:

Tungsten Carbide has become one of the most popular metals used in the production of both men and women’s wedding bands.

Like all jewellery though, there are a few things you need to know about caring and maintain you Tungsten ring.

Tungsten carbide is a non-organic compound consisting of equal parts tungsten and carbon.  The two metallic compounds are combined to form a grey powder know a tungsten carbide.  This powder is then used to produce jewellery amongst other things

Benefits of choosing tungsten rings.

1. Tungsten carbide is the most scratch-resistant metal known to man.
2. Tungsten carbide jewellery is affordable and has a nice weight to it.
3. Tungsten rings are quick and easy to remove from you finger in case of a medical emergency.
4. Due to its hardness, Tungsten does not bend out of shape like silver of gold.
5. People with allergies to gold jewellery can wear tungsten jewellery because it is naturally hypoallergenic.
6. Tungsten wedding bands come in a natural gun metal grey colour, but they can be plated black, white or even gold colours.
7. Plated tungsten requires special care to extend the life of the plating.  Please refer to our PLATED JEWELLERY CARE INSTRUCTIONS.
8. Tungsten like a diamond is scratch resistant and will not bend out of shape but CAN BREAK if enough shock or pressure is applied to it.
9. Due to its hardness, Tungsten rings cannot be sized.
10. As with all jewellery, remove your tungsten ring when going to gym, working in the garden and working with machinery.