I was requested by NotOnTheHighStreet.com as a jewellery expert to write a blog about jewellery care. So, after a day of research and writing, once I had completed my advise for NOTHS, I thought I ought to share it with you all as well. Come to think of it, I might also update my website too.
Silver is one of the softest metals which is why other metals are
added for strength making it 925, containing 7.5% Copper by weight.
Sterling silver tarnishes which are surface oxides with the exposure
to air and the environment as well as perfumes, lotions & perspiration. It
is susceptible to damage by chlorine and salt so avoid wearing silver jewellery
when using chlorine or bleach, or while in a chlorinated pools and hot
tubs.
Often Rhodium coating may reduce tarnishing initially however this
plating may reduce the shine of the silver underneath and will eventually wear
off.
925 is especially prone to tarnish in hot, humid weather.
Store sterling silver and fine silver away from exposure to
air/environment. A zip/lock plastic bag is a very practical and cheap way to do
this. This will be especially useful for silver jewellery, as it will cut down
on tarnish significantly.
Acid free tissue is an excellent way to store jewellery.
Do not store jewellery next to heating vents, windowsills or in the
bathroom. Damp and hot condition will cause the jewellery to tarnish
badly.
If you have very sensitive skin which is irritated by silver
jewellery it's often resulting from the small amount of Nickel added and not the
silver itself.
You can of course purchase hypo-allergenic jewellery and inhibitors
especially in earrings which thread through the skin.
999 Silver's purest form is called Fine Silver and is particular tone
to tarnishing.
In recent years we have seen the advent of 999 in many new designers
creations.
This is a recycled bi-product from the car industry and starts as
fine dust bound with clay so that when it is fired at high temperatures, the
clay burns off leaving the Fine Silver.
Fine Silver is far more softer than Sterling as it doesn't have any
added metals to strengthen it and is therefore prone to dents and
scratches.
When fine silver is used for personalisation, it as been stamped into
the clay and this indent will last forever.
All silver products are prone to wear and tear so careful handling is recommended particularly when storing or transporting pieces. So if your taking your jewellery on
holiday, always separate pieces in a silk roll to avoid scratching and handle necklaces with extra care to avoid kinking and knotting.
Special care should also be taken with fine gemstone cuts which are delicate and may shatter if dropped.
Chemicals found in everyday products such as hair spray, perfume, make-up, moisturizers and creams etc can accelerate
tarnishing and will often coat jewellery and therefore affect it's
luster.
Due to the fact that some gemstones like Topaz and Chalcedony have
been heat treated to improve their colours, direct sunlight will cause fading
and therefore de-value the gemstone.
Keep jewellery from getting wet and never wear whilst cleaning or
washing up as it will damage the jewellery.
If you have charms that have been thread onto coloured cord, simple
chemicals used when washing up, bathing or swimming in pools will strip the
colour.
To clean silver, use a good quality silver cloth by rolling the
jewellery between fingers. For tougher tarnish spots, you can use a small
amount of silver cleaning liquid with the silver cloth, making sure not to press
too hard as small particles in the cloth may scratch the surface or even take
away the pattern after years of cleaning.
You can also clean jewellery with warm soapy water and a really soft
toothbrush. Then rinse thoroughly & dry well.
The best way to clean nooks and crannies of jewellery such as
diamond pave set rings is with a sonic cleaner with specialised cleaning fluid,
however a soft toothbrush will also work with a small amount of washing up
liquid. You can purchase sonic cleaners online or take your jewellery into you
high street jeweller.
Gold vermeil is sterling silver micro-plated with yellow gold of
various grades and is an affordable way of purchasing gold jewellery. However,
whilst it will not tarnish like silver, it will get dirty with wear and
chemicals, lotions, perfumes and moist conditions will corrode it. So its
particularly important to take the above measures which will increase it's
longevity.
When purchasing platinum jewellery after ware it will darken in
colour.
When purchasing wired jewellery it's always worth checking it
has been made correctly and doesn't snag your clothes.
Make-up, body creams and hair lacquer will transfer onto
jewellery especially pearls, shells and gemstones during wear but you can clean
their precious surfaces by lightly rubbing with a light oil such as
linseed.
It's always recommended to only put your jewellery on once all
you make-up/hair and body scent ritual is complete.
Jewellery will snag tights and fine materials such as shiffon,
so it's always better waiting to the last minute before putting jewellery
on.
Remove jewellery when sleeping, exercising, cleaning, gardening or any
other rough or physical work.
Melinda Mulcahy
