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Definitions and Jewellery Care

Jewellery Overview

When choosing the right type of metal for your jewellery, consider how you plan to wear it. If you intend to wear your jewellery all the time, including during activities like swimming, sleeping, or exercising, you may want to opt for more durable options such as sterling silver, silver-filled, or gold-filled jewellery. These metals are designed to withstand frequent wear and provide lasting beauty.

Last On, First Off
Adhering to the "last on, first off" rule helps maintain the longevity of your jewellery. It should be the last item you put on after applying makeup and other accessories, and the first item you take off.  To keep your jewellery in top condition, you should try to avoid wearing it while showering, swimming, or exercising.  Additionally, try to prevent exposure to chemicals from lotions, perfumes, oils, and hairsprays, as these can cause tarnishing and damage over time.

Lace Flower - Crystal and Cord

  • Care Instructions: To care for your lace flower, start by using a high-quality, gentle soap for washing. Only wash the areas that are soiled to preserve the integrity of the lace.

  • Cleaning Process: Gently massage cold or warm soapy water into the soiled spot to remove any grime. Rinse thoroughly with cold or warm water, then press out any excess water. To maintain its beautiful shape, allow your lace flower to dry in a curved upward position.

  • Durability Note: The lace has been specially coated for durability, but it may soften over time after washing. Rest assured, your lace flower will retain its shape and continue to look beautiful.

Pearls

Natural Cultured Freshwater Pearls

  • Composition: These pearls are cultivated by pearl farmers who carefully insert a small piece or "seed" of mother-of-pearl into a freshwater oyster. The oyster then coats the seed with successive layers of nacre, gradually forming a natural pearl.
  • Durability: As natural materials, these pearls are quite durable but should be treated with care to maintain their lustre and avoid scratches or damage.
  • Care: To keep these pearls looking their best, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or cosmetics.

Man-Made Pearls

  • Crystal Base Pearls

    • Composition: These pearls feature a solid crystal core, covered in layers of innovative pearlescent nacre, creating a flawless, silky-smooth surface.
    • Durability: Crystal base pearls are designed to resist cosmetics, chemicals, and perfumes, making them highly durable and long-lasting.
    • Care: Clean these pearls with a soft, damp cloth and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

  • Glass Bead Pearls

    • Composition: Similar to crystal base pearls, glass bead pearls are made with a glass core covered in pearlescent nacre, offering a more budget-friendly option.
    • Durability: While slightly less durable than crystal base pearls, glass bead pearls still provide good resistance to wear with proper care.
    • Care: Treat these pearls with the same care as other man-made pearls; use a soft cloth for cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals.

  • Shell Bead Pearls

    • Composition: Shell bead pearls are created from oyster shells, specifically the material known as mother-of-pearl. The nacre is harvested, pulverised, and combined with other materials to form the pearl core, which is then coated and polished.
    • Durability: These pearls are durable and maintain a high-quality appearance, similar to lab-created gemstones, though they should be handled with care to avoid scratches.
    • Care: Wipe shell bead pearls with a soft cloth after use, and store them in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent damage. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.

  • Acrylic Pearls

    • Composition: Acrylic pearls are made from lightweight acrylic, making them an economical choice for jewellery designs.
    • Durability: These pearls are less durable than natural or other man-made pearls but are ideal for designs where weight and cost are considerations.
    • Care: Clean acrylic pearls with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid exposing them to water or chemicals to prevent damage.

Nacre
Nacre is the lustrous, iridescent substance that forms the inner layer of a mollusc shell and the outer coating of pearls. It’s this material that gives pearls their characteristic shimmer and depth.

Metals

 Sterling Silver Jewellery

  • Composition: Sterling silver jewellery is made from 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically consisting of other metals such as copper. This alloy provides sterling silver with the strength and durability needed for everyday wear.
  • Durability: Sterling silver is highly durable and can withstand regular use. However, it is prone to tarnishing over time, particularly when exposed to air and moisture.
  • Care: To keep sterling silver jewellery looking its best, polish it regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth like Hagerty mini jewel cloth. And for a really thorough clean use Hagerty Silver Foam.  Store it in a dry, airtight container or anti-tarnish pouch to prevent tarnishing.  Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or chlorine.

Silver-Filled Jewellery

  • Composition: Silver-filled jewellery features a substantial layer of sterling silver (92.5% pure) bonded to a base metal, typically copper. The silver content usually constitutes 10% of the total weight, often indicated by "1/10 silver-filled."
  • Durability: Similar to gold-filled items, silver-filled jewellery is more durable and longer-lasting than silver-plated alternatives. An anti-tarnish coating helps preserve its appearance over time.
  • Care: Silver-filled jewellery can be maintained in the same way as solid sterling silver. Regular polishing with a soft cloth is recommended, and exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials should be avoided.

Silver-Plated Jewellery

  • Composition: Silver-plated jewellery features a thin layer of sterling silver electroplated onto a base metal, such as brass, copper, or nickel. Like gold-plated jewellery, the silver layer is typically very thin, making it more affordable but less durable than silver-filled or solid sterling silver jewellery.
  • Durability: Silver-plated jewellery is susceptible to tarnishing and wear over time, especially with frequent use. The thin layer of silver can wear off, exposing the base metal.
  • Care: To maintain the appearance of silver-plated jewellery, avoid exposing it to water, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Clean it with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place, preferably in an anti-tarnish pouch or bag.

Gold-Filled Jewellery

  • Composition: Gold-filled jewellery consists of a thick layer of real gold, typically 14k, bonded to a base metal such as brass or copper. The gold layer must comprise at least 5% of the total weight. Common markings like "1/20 14K GF" indicate that 1/20th of the item's weight is 14k gold.
  • Durability: Gold-filled items are known for their durability, often lasting up to 30 years or more with proper care. They resist tarnishing and wear much better than gold-plated jewellery, making them a valuable yet affordable alternative to solid gold.
  • Care: Gold-filled jewellery can be cleaned in the same way as solid gold. Use a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals to maintain their lustre.

Gold-Plated Jewellery

  • Composition: Gold-plated jewellery consists of a thin layer of real gold (usually less than 0.05% of the item's total weight) electroplated onto a base metal, such as brass, copper, or stainless steel. The gold layer is typically only a few microns thick, making it more affordable but less durable than gold-filled or solid gold jewellery.
  • Durability: Due to the thinness of the gold layer, gold-plated jewellery is more prone to wear and tarnishing over time, especially with frequent use. The gold layer can wear off, revealing the base metal underneath.
  • Care: To extend the life of gold-plated jewellery, avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals. Clean it gently with a soft cloth, and store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches and wear.