JEWELLERY CARE & TERMINOLOGY
SILVER
The value of silver as a precious metal has long been considered second only to gold. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, the remainder being copper or some other metal. The word ‘sterling’ has been used to mean high quality silver since the 13thC. Some fine jewellery made of silver, particularly that of a foreign make, is marked .925 instead of with the word sterling.
Properties of Silver
Silver has an attractive shiny appearance, although it tarnishes relatively easily. The tarnish is silver sulphide and forms as the silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the atmosphere. To help prevent this, it is recommended that silver be stored in airtight containers. Silver is strong, malleable and ductile and is the best reflector of visible light known. It can endure extreme temperature ranges, making it an ideal material from which to make fine jewellery.
Oxidised Sterling Silver
As its popularity grows, more and more beautiful designer jewelry is being produced in oxidised sterling silver due to it’s unique colour and finish. Oxidized sterling silver jewellery is darker and its finish is less sparkling than untreated sterling silver.
Oxidized silver is produced when atomic oxygen reacts with silver. Silver reacts to oxygen very easily when it is treated with chemicals such as Potassium Sulphide (also known as Liver of Sulphur)
The silver has a smoky look after it has gone through the chemical treatment making it a unique alternative for anyone who loves wearing sterling silver jewellery.
VERMEIL
Vermeil (pronounced vehr-MAY), also known as silver gilt, is sterling silver coated in a layer of gold to give a gold appearance. To be considered vermeil, the gold must also be at least 10-karat and be at least 1.5 micrometers thick. Sterling silver covered with any metal other than gold cannot be called vermeil.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
Bright Sterling Silver does tarnish naturally over time but can be cleaned very easily. Be sure to clean the silver only and avoid contact with any stones, particularly pearls and soft stones such as opals and emeralds, as the polish may cause damage to these stones.
Silver should be kept absolutely dry. If you wear your sterling silver jewellery frequently, keep it away from excessive exposure to air and store it in a tarnish-proof cloth such as the flannel pouch provided with your Brazen jewellery or a good quality jewellery box. If your climate is humid, place a small packet of desiccant crystals inside your storage area, whether it is a closed box or a flannel roll.
• Objects that are silver-plated or vermeil (gold-plated) must be cleaned with the same care as solid metals.
• Remove all silver jewellery before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on silver jewellery, making it appear dull and dingy.
• A soft, lintfree cloth is an effective and inexpensive way to keep your silver pieces lustrous and shining.
• Be particularly careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your silver jewellery. Avoid wearing silver jewellery while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
• The most common tarnish-causing elements are wool, felt, food (eggs, onions, mayonnaise), rubber bands, latex gloves and certain paints. Tarnish is accelerated in a humid environment. Oily salts from fingers can also tarnish silver. You can remove light tarnish by using Fairy liquid and water. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush. After brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry. Frequent light cleanings are preferable to waiting until the tarnish gets so stubborn that more abrasive polishes have to be employed. Be particularly careful when attempting to clean any silver jewellery set with gemstones, as some stones require special cleaning procedures.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR OXIDISED STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
Any piece of oxidised sterling silver will be prone to wear, as it is a surface patina. However this can appear as a rather charming “vintage” look to your item. However the oxidised finish can be re-applied if you wish. Please contact customer services if you wish to arrange for an item to be re-oxidised. For general day-to-day care the colour can be maintained by using a light wax such as a colourless furniture polish / beeswax whichi should be gently applied with a soft cloth and and any residue carefully polished off. Please be sure only to use a soft cloth that is not impregnated with any kind of jewellery cleaning substance as this will further remove the oxidisation.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR GOLD JEWELLERY
Gold jewellery should be cleaned regularly to maximise its beauty and shine.
• Remove all gold jewellery before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy.
• A soft, lintfree cloth is an effective and inexpensive way to keep your gold pieces lustrous and shining.
• Be particularly careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewellery. Avoid wearing gold jewellery while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
• You can remove light tarnish by using Fairy liquid and water. For more serious tarnish stains, use water mixed with a few drops of ammonia, available over the counter at a pharmacy. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush. After brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry. Be particularly careful when attempting to clean any gold jewellery set with gemstones, as some stones require special cleaning procedures.
LOOKING AFTER DIAMONDS
Although it is not one of the four Cs, cleanliness affects the beauty of a diamond as much as any of the four Cs, as a clean diamond is much more brilliant than one whose light scattering has been obstructed by dirt. A girl's best friend needs to be treated with care. View all diamond jewellery at Brazen.
• Diamonds are uniquely resistant to damage by heat or scratching, but an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause a diamond to chip. Therefore it is a good idea to remove diamond jewellery before embarking upon heavy work.
• All diamond jewellery should be stored individually in soft cloth pouches when not being worn, to prevent the diamond or diamonds from scratching or dulling other jewelry.
• Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and household chemicals, like chlorine and hairspray, can also cause a build up that dulls the surface of a diamond – this can be kept at bay by cleaning your diamond jewellery regularly.
• Fairy liquid is safe and effective at cleaning diamond jewellery. For more serious dirt, a solution of one part ammonia (available over the counter at the pharmacy) and six parts water can be used. Very gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance of the diamond - be careful, however, not to scratch the precious metal of the setting.
• Once a year, it is a good idea to have your diamond cleaned and have the security of the setting checked.
Shop for Contemporary Jewellery at Brazen.
LOOKING AFTER PEARLS
Fine cultured pearls with thick nacre layers will last for generations if cared for properly. Brazen cultured pearls are strung on pure silk with knots between each cultured pearl. Over time, the silk will stretch, weaken and become soiled. If you wear your cultured pearls regularly, we encourage you to have your them cleaned and restrung annually. View Pearl Jewellery at Brazen.
• Since pearls are an organic gemstone, they are particularly soft and delicate, and can easily be scratched, cracked, and damaged. Therefore pearl jewellery should not be worn when doing heavy work.
• In addition, substances such as perfume and hair spray and even natural body oils and perspiration can dull the lustre of a pearl. It is a good idea, because of this, to apply perfume, hair spray, and other cosmetics before putting on your pearls.
• After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp, lintfree cloth to remove any traces of cosmetic products or body oils.
• Do not use any chemicals to clean your pearls. Even a very mild soap is best kept away from your pearl jewellery.
• Because of their delicacy, pearls should be stored separately, away from hard jewelry items, to prevent scratches or other damage. If possible, store them wrapped in soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewellery box.
Shop for Contemporary Jewellery at Brazen.