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JEWELLERY CARE AND INFO

Jewellery Info

1. What is sterling silver?

Sterling is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Sterling silver will therefore contain the marking of .925.

Chemically, silver is not very reactive — it does not react with oxygen or water at ordinary temperatures, so does not easily form a silver oxide. However, the other metal in the alloy, usually copper, may react with oxygen in the air.

It is therefore advised that silver be kept in an airtight container or box to avoid tarnishing. However, a good silver dip cleaner or silver cloth can be used to clean the tarnish.

2. What is oxidised silver?

A lot of beautiful jewellery is produced from the oxidized silver these days, as it is unique in its colour and look. The oxidised silver is darker and its finish is less sparkling. The silver gets a smoky look after it has gone through the chemical treatment.

Oxidized silver is produced when atomic oxygen reacts with silver. Silver reacts to oxygen very easily.

3. What is Rhodium?

Rhodium is a silver-white that is a rare hard metallic element, is highly resistant to corrosion, and is extremely reflective. It is used as a finish for jewellery, mirrors, and search lights. Rhodium is found in platinum ores and is used in alloys with platinum.

4. What is vermeil?

Vermeil is a combination of sterling silver, gold, and other precious metals. It is commonly used as a component in jewellery. To be considered vermeil, the gold must also be at least 10 carat (42%) and be at least 1.5 micrometres thick. Sterling silver covered with another metal cannot be called vermeil.

5. What is gold plated?

Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver, by chemical or electrochemical means.

6. What is a karat?

Gold's purity is measured in karats. The term "karat" harks back to the ancient bazaars where "carob" beans were used to weigh precious metals. 24 karat is pure gold, but its purity means it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals. Different alloys are used in jewellery for greater strength, durability and colour range.

The karatage of the jewellery will tell you what percentage of gold it contains: 24 karat is 100 percent, 18 karat is 75 percent, and 14 karat is 58 percent gold. When comparing gold jewellery, the higher the number of karats, the greater the value.

Jewellery Care

1. Caring for gold

Gold will develop a film build up of oils from lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin oils which takes away from its beauty. Chemicals in the air can slightly oxidize the gold depending on the karat grade used. Don't let your gold jewellery come in contact with chlorine bleach when you are doing household chores because it can damage jewellery over time. A little time and effort on your part will keep your jewellery looking new like the day you first wore it. Following are ways in which to clean your gold jewellery.

a. Liquid soap bath:  Use any mild liquid detergent found in your home (such as dishwashing soap) and prepare a small bowl of warm suds. Brush the pieces with an eyebrow brush or toothbrush while they are in the bath. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

b. Quick dip cleaning method:  Buy a brand name liquid jewellery cleaner recommended for cleaning gold jewellery. Cleaning instructions vary depending on the kit, so read the label and follow its instructions.

c. Ultra sonic cleaner:  This is a small machine that will clean any piece of jewellery that can be dipped in a liquid in a matter of minutes. There are many varieties of ultrasonic cleaners, but they all consist of a metal cup that you fill with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a high-frequency motion creates the cleaning action. Since each machine is slightly different, read the instructions very carefully before use.

2. Caring for sterling silver

Storing your sterling silver in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue on your sterling silver then quickly turns to black. This is a normal process that is caused by oxidization and moisture from air and sunshine. To keep tarnish to a minimum it is advised that you store your jewellery pieces when not wearing them.

Clean your sterling silver jewellery with a soft 100% cotton (nub free) cloth or flannel cloth and gently rub off any excess makeup. Remember silver is a very soft metal and you can scratch it if you aren't careful so don't rub it too briskly. Never use anything but a clean 100% cotton or a special sterling silver cleaning cloth or very soft bristle brush, like a babies tooth brush or a horsehair silver brush. Paper, polyester, and coarse fabrics often contain wood fibers or synthetics, that can cause tiny scratches in the surface of your fine sterling silver jewellery. Dirt left over from previous cleanings can scratch the surface as well.

You can also clean using a brand name cleaner or dip recommended for silver jewellery.

3. Caring for gemstones and fine jewellery

Rings in particular tend to collect dirt behind the stone, especially if you wear them on a regular basis. You can clean transparent gemstones by simply soaking them in water with a touch of soap. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the stone.

- Avoid wearing gems during strenuous exercise.

A well-placed blow could damage the beauty of a stone, so it is safest to store them while engaging in any activity where they might be subjected to high impact.

- Do not handle jewellery by the stone.

You don’t want to loosen a stone from the mount and take a chance of eventually losing it if the stone falls out. Store jewellery with gemstones separate from each other. Some gems are harder than others, and a hard stone can scratch a softer stone.