In this guide, we’ll cover how to clean your jewellery & tips to help them last longer.We take a few little steps can keep them shiny for longer. We recommend cleaning your pieces once a month to keep them in great shape.
GOLD FILLED
What is Gold Filled?
Gold filled is a solid layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base – jeweler’s brass. US standards require the gold layer to consist of 1/20th (or 5%) of the jewellery’s total weight.
Characteristics
- Hypoallergenic
Because gold filled does not use any nickel it is hypoallergenic and a great affordable option for those sensitive to metals
- Slow/non-tarnish
Gold in general is a great metal because it is extremely slow to tarnish and when it does it’s easily cleaned
- Waterproof
You can wear your gold filled jewellery in the shower or ocean without worrying about it turning your skin green! As long as your jewellery never comes into contact with chemicals (like those put in pools) it will stay picture perfect - Safe for sensitive skin
Gold filled is safe, if you don’t have reactions to solid gold. Since gold filled jewellery is a thick layer of actual gold, it acts the same way a solid gold piece would against your skin.
How to Care for Gold Filled Jewellery
Gold filled jewellery is amazing for everyday wear. You can shower and even sleep in it without the gold rubbing or flaking off, like gold plated jewellery. Usually, gold filled jewellery requires very little cleaning; however, with everyday wear, dirt and dust will accumulate on the pieces. We’ll outline the best ways to clean your jewellery, as well as give tips on what to avoid!
Cleaning gold filled jewellery
- Use mild soap + lukewarm water and soak your piece for 5 mins
- Gently scrub your piece with an ultrasoft bristled toothbrush, focus on the areas with the most build-up
- Gently pat your piece dry with a soft cloth
- Rinse and repeat if needed
- Make sure it is completely dry before storing
*Please note, only use above method for jewellery without gemstone/pearl/crystal
You can also use a polishing cloth to help restore its original shine. Be sure to be gentle when polishing the jewellery by wiping instead of scrubbing – overpolishing is harmful.
Preventive care
Gold filled jewellery is amazing for everyday wear, but avoiding certain things will help prolong its lifetime and shine. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Don’t apply harsh chemicals directly on the pieces (e.g. hand sanitizer, lotion, perfume, sunscreen). If you are applying these on your body, put your jewellery on after everything is applied
- Avoid pools and hot tubs, as the chlorine will damage the gold
- Avoid swimming in the ocean, as the salt water can harm the gold
- Clean the pieces occasionally and wipe with a soft cloth to remove dirt and skin oil residue
- Remove jewellery before bed or sport activity to reduce exposure to air and natural skin oils
- When you are not wearing your gold filled jewellery, store your clean and dry jewellery separately in a sealed zip lock bag, kept away from moisture.
If you do accidentally do these a few times, not to worry! Your pieces are very durable. But if you follow these guidelines, your pieces will last longer.
STERLING SILVER
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver is perfect for everyday wear. You can go to the gym, shower, and sleep in it.
Characteristics
- Hypoallergenic
Sterling silver can sometimes have trace amounts of nickel and may not be a good option if you are sensitive to certain metals like nickel.
- Tarnishes
Sterling silver can tarnish if it’s left out to oxidize with air, so we recommend storing it in a sealed zip bag if you are not wearing it. But It will never rub off on your skin or turn it green. Getting it wet and wearing it often actually helps prevent it from tarnishing.
- Waterproof
Sterling silver is waterproof and not harmed by fresh and usually saltwater. Always allow your jewellery to fully dry before putting it in an airtight container.
How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a very gorgeous and shiny material, but with time, your pieces can oxidize and lose their shine. Here, we’ll outline how to clean for your sterling silver pieces and give tips on how to keep your pieces shiny and looking good as new.
Cleaning sterling silver jewellery
There are a few methods on how to clean sterling silver. If the previous step doesn’t help, use the following step.
- Using a polishing cloth is the most effective way to clean your sterling silver jewellery. Don’t use rough cloths, paper towels, or tissues as these can scratch the silver
- Soap/water method:
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water and soak your piece in the solution for 5 minutes
- Gently scrub your piece with an ultrasoft bristled toothbrush or with your fingers. Make sure to really focus on the areas with the most build-up
- Gently pat your piece dry with a soft cloth
- Rinse and repeat if needed
- Baking soda/water method:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda and water together until it makes a paste
- Use a pea sized amount on your jewellery and gentle scrub (this can be done with an ultrasoft bristled toothbrush)
- Rinse after with warm water
- We recommend this option if you are having a difficult time removing the tarnish with the steps above
*Please note, if your Sterling Silver jewellery has gemstones, pearls, or crystals, it is not advised to submerge the pieces into water or to soak them.
Preventive care
Clean your Sterling Silver jewellery after each time you wear it to keep the tarnish, dirt, and oil buildup to a minimum.
- Don’t apply harsh chemicals directly on the pieces (e.g. hand sanitizer, lotion, perfume, sunscreen). If you are applying these on your body, put your jewellery on after everything is applied
- Avoid pools and hot tubs, as the chlorine can harm the silver
- Avoid swimming in the ocean, as the salt water can harm the silver
- Clean the pieces occasionally and wipe with a soft cloth to remove dirt and skin oil residue
- When you are not wearing your sterling silver jewellery, store your clean and dry jewellery separately in a sealed zip lock bag, kept away from moisture. If it is left out, it will oxidize with air and tarnish.
If you do accidentally do these a few times, not to worry! Your pieces are very durable. But if you follow these guidelines, your pieces will last longer.
ARGENTIUM SILVER
What is Argentium Silver?
Argentium Silver is 93.5% silver, 5.5% copper and 1% germanium. Argentium Silver is hypoallergenic for many people, has a beautiful shiny luster, is low maintenance, and has a high tarnish resistance.
Characteristics
- Hypoallergenic
Argentium is 100% nickel-free which makes it the perfect jewellery to wear without fear on a daily basis. Plus, germanium is also an inert metal, which makes Argentium even more hypoallergenic than traditional sterling silver.
- Tarnish Resistant
Argentium jewellery is highly tarnish resistant. The germanium elements in Argentium creates a thin barrier between the copper and the air, which dramatically slowing down the tarnishing process. - Durable
Argentium is closer to pure silver, yet much more durable than sterling silver. This makes it more stand up to the daily wear and tear. - Look
Because Argentium has a higher silver content than traditional sterling silver, it has a much whiter and brighter look. When tested using the CEILAB standard color measurement system, Argentium was rated as a “whiter” metal than rhodium, which is used to give white gold its white color. This means that when you wear Argentium jewellery, it looks like you are wearing platinum or white gold instead of sterling silver. - Sustainable
Argentium is a sustainable alloy. It’s made from 100% recycled silver which has very large impacts on the environment.
How to Care for Argentium Silver Jewellery
Not much work is required to keep your Argentium Silver jewellery shiny and bright. Cleaning your Argentium Silver jewellery is recommended for hygienic reasons as well as to remove any build up and return its shiny surface.
Cleaning argentium silver jewellery
Clean your Argentium Silver jewellery after each time you wear it to keep the dirt and oil buildup to a minimum.
- Use mild soap + lukewarm water and soak your piece for 5 mins
- Gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth
- Immediately dry the surfaces with another soft cloth to avoid water marks being left behind
- Make sure it is completely dry before storing
*Please note, only use above method for jewellery without gemstone/pearl/crystal.
You can also use a soft and clean polishing cloth to help restore its original luster and shine. Be sure to be gentle when polishing the jewellery by wiping instead of scrubbing – overpolishing is harmful.
Preventive care
A proactive care tip for your Argentium Silver jewellery is to apply the “last on, first off” strategy. This will prevent beauty products from building up on the shiny surface.
- Don’t apply harsh chemicals directly on the pieces (e.g. hand sanitizer, lotion, perfume, sunscreen). If you are applying these on your body, put your jewellery on after everything is applied
- Avoid pools and hot tubs, as the chlorine will damage the argentium
- Avoid swimming in the ocean, as the salt water can harm the argentium
- Clean the pieces occasionally and wipe with a soft cloth to remove dirt and skin oil residue
- When you are not wearing your argentium silver jewellery, store your clean and dry jewellery separately in a sealed zip lock bag, kept away from moisture.
If you do accidentally do these a few times, not to worry! Your pieces are very durable. But if you follow these guidelines, your pieces will last longer.
TIPS FOR EVERYDAY MAINTENANCE
Here are some tips for light maintenance that can be done any day you see the need
- Usa a soft cloth to gently remove makeup and oils that can transfer from your skin to your jewellery. For example, if you know you’ve been sweaty that summer day or think the piece might have product on it (like hair gels or sunscreen), it’s highly recommend giving it a quick rinse in lukewarm water and then drying it with a soft cloth.
- Taking your jewellery off and storing it at night, before bed will also increase its longevity. This will helps reduce exposure to air and natural skin oils.