Jewellery care and materials
Most jewellery does not wear out. It gets dulled by the things we put on it – perfume, chlorine, hand sanitiser, the wrong cloth. Here is what each material we sell actually needs, and what quietly shortens its life.
18k gold plated stainless steel
A layer of 18k gold bonded over a stainless steel core. It gives the colour of gold with the strength of steel, which is why so much of our chain and bracelet range is made this way. The gold layer is thin, so treat the surface gently:
- Put it on last – after perfume, hairspray, lotion and sunscreen, not before.
- Take it off for swimming. Chlorine and salt water are the fastest way to strip plating.
- Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing. No polishing compounds, no abrasive cloths, no ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store it dry and separately so harder pieces cannot scratch it.
Stainless steel
The most forgiving metal we sell. It does not rust, does not tarnish and holds a polish. Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft brush will clean it; dry it fully afterwards. Steel is a good choice if you react to other metals or you simply want to wear something and forget about it.
Sterling silver (925)
Silver tarnishes – that is chemistry, not a fault. Sulphur in the air, and in some foods and cosmetics, darkens the surface over time. Wearing silver often actually slows tarnish down. To bring it back, use a proper silver polishing cloth and rub gently along the length of the piece. Store silver in a sealed bag with the air pressed out when you are not wearing it.
Solid gold
Gold does not tarnish, but it is soft – the higher the karat, the softer it is. Clean it in warm water with a drop of mild soap, work gently around settings with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry. Take gold rings off before the gym, gardening or anything that involves gripping metal.
Watches
Water resistance is a rating, not a promise for life – the gaskets age. A watch marked 3 ATM or 30 m survives splashes and rain, not swimming. Keep watches away from strong magnets, and if the second hand starts jumping in multi-second steps the battery is nearly out. Bring it to any of our stores and we will look at it.
What to avoid, whatever the metal
- Sleeping in chains and bracelets – clasps and links fail from bending, not from wear.
- Household cleaners, bleach and hand sanitiser sitting on the surface.
- Storing everything loose in one box, where harder stones scratch softer metal.
Not sure which material a piece is? The product page states it. Still unsure, or something has gone dull on you? Ask us, or bring it into one of our four stores.