JEWELLERY CARE GUIDE
CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY
- Sterling silver, also known as 925 sterling silver, is a metal alloy used in jewellery and decorative household objects. Traditionally, it is 92.5% silver (Ag), and 7.5% copper (Cu). Occasionally, other metals account for 7.5%, but the 925 hallmark will always indicate 92.5% silver purity.
- Has your Sterling Silver jewellery become tarnished? Is the tarnished jewellery leaving a black or green mark on your finger,nack,arm? What causes discoloration?
- With time, any sterling silver jewellery piece that is exposed to air will tarnish. Sterling silver is a mixture of metals with at least 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals.
- And it is the other metals, usually copper, that oxidised in the air resulting in the build-up of a tarnished layer on sterling silver jewellery.
- Silver tarnishes faster in areas with high humidity and air pollution. Additionally, contact with materials like cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc, can speed up the tarnishing process. The silver in your ring may also become oxidized by reacting with acids in your skin, the moisture in perspiration, or by reacting with some other lotion or chemical on your skin.
- Sterling silver will tarnish with time and wear. To take care of your sterling silver jewellery, polish it frequently with a soft dry cloth or silver cloth to avoid tarnish (do not use silver dip). Ideally, use the specially impregnated silver polishing cloth available cost ZAR80 ensure that your jewellery continues to retain its original lustre and shine.
- To bring back sparkle from faceted gemstones use warm water, washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush. Soak and brush inside the back of the setting and rinse.
- Our products are guaranteed against manufacturing faults, but not misuse. To maintain the condition of your jewellery remove when swimming or when undertaking manual or domestic work.
- Your jewellery will age and tarnish naturally so if you want to keep your pieces in good condition, clean your jewellery regularly using a professional cleaning product.
- It is also possible to assist with keeping the product in pristine condition by storing your jewellery in separate soft lined boxes or a pouch to keep pieces apart so they don’t rub together.
- Avoid cleaning, gardening, and swimming in your jewellery as chlorine in swimming pools can cause damage and erode jewellery. Chemicals such as household cleaning fluids can also cause damage to the jewellery and remove plating.
- Thoroughly dry your jewellery after exposure to water.