Some features of jewellery care are universal, while others are specific to the material type, whether it be particular to sterling silver, plated, or gold jewellery care, and whether or not it involves caring for gemstones. For all jewellery it is best practice to:
REMOVE before sleeping or exercising.
AVOID
SHOW CARE to delicate areas include gem-holding claws, thin gold moulding like pendant loops, and certain gem types prone to scratching or cracking.
STORE
REACH OUT to our team if you have any questions about which material may be right for you. The pH of each person’s skin varies, and some individuals’ skin may react differently with metals.
NOTE that if your jewellery contains mixed materials, we
advise you to follow the most restrictive of the following jewellery care instructions for the best results. Avoid homespun tricks for cleaning jewellery, and follow this care guide which aligns with the recommendations given by national jewellery associations.
An industry tip regarding how to care for sterling silver jewellery is, simply, to wear it often. This is the best way to naturally prevent tarnishing.
Contact with water may change the appearance of sterling silver jewellery, giving it a more antiquated appearance.
While fresh or salt water is not likely to damage silver jewellery in limited amounts, sulfuric water such as that found in hot springs must be avoided, as this will cause your jewellery to immediately change colour on contact.
TO CLEAN tarnished jewellery, use a small amount of silver
polish, and a soft polishing cloth
Our standard jewellery is micron plated with at least 1.5 microns of 18K Gold, while our premium, Vermeil jewellery is plated with at least 3 microns of 24K Gold.
A rule of thumb is that, if jewellery care instructions are
followed, one year of as-new wear is gained per micron.
Therefore, Vermeil Jewellery will stay in excellent condition for approximately 3 years of regular use, if given good gold jewellery care.
TO CLEAN, use a soft cloth or toothbrush and gently wipe the
affected area. Do not use polish as this will wear away the plating.
Learn more about the difference between standard
gold-plating and Vermeil, here.
Solid gold is prized for its resistance to tarnishing, allowing you to wear Fine jewellery even in water. However, the lower the karat of gold, the higher the risk of tarnishing or damage occurring.
9 karat is a cost effective option for those on a budget, but is more brittle and susceptible to issues than 18 karat gold.
Be cautious of bending or scratching, as gold is a soft metal. Use common sense and remove it during activities that could damage it.
If you are interested in a bespoke piece, or wish to learn
more about the differences between karats, reach
out to one of our friendly consultants.
TO CLEAN, briefly soak in lukewarm water with a small amount of baking soda and dish soap. Remove, rinse, and brush with a soft toothbrush. Dry with a polishing cloth. Limit cleaning to maximum two times per year.
If you would like a professional clean, our team is at your disposal to assist with this service.
A lot of clients ask us how to care for gemstones in jewellery, whether rubies, diamonds, sapphires, lapis or one of our many other sustainably sourced offerings.
AVOID WATER with the following gems: turquoise, opal, jade, labradorite, lapis lazuli, and any other gemstone with a Moh’s hardness rating of below 5.
TO CLEAN, if you find a soft polish with a cloth doesn’t
suffice, our team is at your disposal to assist with a professional service.
For more information than is contained in this jewellery care guide, reach out to our team, who will be delighted to advise you