Care of our jewelry
This is an essential step to optimize the use and lifespan of your solid silver and gold-filled jewelry. Unfortunately, today the internet is populated by a torrent of misinformation (due to lack of knowledge or misleading marketing) which misleads buyers, thus causing jewelry to be used in inappropriate conditions.
Solid silver:
The most popular belief about silver is that it does not oxidize, which is false. You should know that oxidation itself is a natural process specific to silver and here are some tips for optimal maintenance:
- Avoid sleeping with your jewelry: This is universal advice that applies to any metal and avoids unpleasant surprises when you wake up (loss of a chip, loose stone, etc.).
- Avoid bathing with it: Although this remains obvious for salt water, many people think that taking a shower is harmless for jewelry, which is far from true. Indeed, we do not (generally) take a shower only with water (which itself is loaded with chlorine) but with a myriad of products composed of chemical elements which promote oxidation.
- Avoid using beauty products directly on it: It's the same principle as with shower products. Perfumes and creams are full of elements that are harmful to metals, so it is wise to minimize contact with your jewelry.
- Avoid intense sports sessions: Perspiration contains acidic elements which promote the alteration of metals, moreover if you have used a beauty product the impact is much greater.
- The pH of the skin is another factor, which unfortunately cannot be easily avoided/controlled by the wearer of the jewelry. If the PH is high (so-called “oily” skin), this is considered an Alkaline PH, which will promote the alteration/oxidation of the metal.
There are still a lot of things to “avoid” but we prefer to be as complete as possible in order to allow you to have all the cards in hand for optimal maintenance.
Solid silver gilded with 18k gold
It is important to understand that silver gilded with 18k gold is naturally more delicate than classic silver and will lose its gilding (which is not immutable) over time if the maintenance advice cited above are not respected.
If you do not have the ability to respect (at least a minimum) the maintenance advice stipulated previously, we advise you to turn to the classic silver version or even gold-filled jewelry (gold filled).
Gold filled 14h (gold filled)
Gold filled, also called gold filled, is a much thicker plating technique than traditional plating, however adequate maintenance is still necessary to optimize the life of your jewelry. Here are some tips for maintaining your gold filled jewelry:
- Avoid chemicals: Chemical products such as perfumes, lotions, shampoos, etc. can damage the layer of gold plated on gold filled jewelry. It is therefore advisable to remove them before (for example) putting on perfume, taking a shower, etc.
- Clean regularly: To clean your gold filled jewelry, use a soft cloth (jewelry style, for glasses, etc.) and (if necessary ) wet to remove dirt and residue.
- Store them separately: To avoid scratches and damage, store your gold filled jewelry separately in a jewelry case or box.
By following these care tips, your gold filled jewelry should retain its luster and shine for many years. Remember to wear them with care and maintain them regularly to maintain their vibrant appearance.
Jewelry with natural stones
First of all, you should know that the characteristics (such as hardness/resistance) vary from one stone to another. To give you an idea, turquoise can easily crack or stain, while amethyst is more durable. It is therefore important to learn about the properties of each stone before cleaning or maintaining them (do not hesitate to consult our blog for articles detailing the characteristics of each stone).
In general, here are some tips that will help you take care of your scarlet scrunchies:
- For cleaning it is often recommended to clean the part of the jewelry containing the natural stone with water warm soapy water and rinse it afterwards. It is important to use a mild detergent and not scrub too hard, as this may damage the stone.
- Store the affected jewelry in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. Semi-precious stones can lose their luster if exposed to extreme temperatures or intense UV rays. It is also recommended to store them separately to avoid scratches.
- Be careful of chemicals that could damage semi-precious stones. For example, alcohol, acetone, ammonia, and other chemicals commonly used for cleaning can damage semi-precious stones.
By following these tips, you will be able to maintain the beauty and shine of your jewelry for a long time. And remember, if you have any doubts about how to clean or care for your jewelry, you can always contact us, we will be happy to answer you!