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Care of your Jewellery
Much of our silver does not have a highly polished surface as we prefer a softer look to our metal such as satin, brushed or a completely matt finish. Often, the edges of a piece or some detail, has been highlighted by hand burnishing to produce a mirror finish but this is usually very subtle. Some of our pieces have had their surface “reticulated”. Although not always an exact science, the technique produces surface textures which can vary from a slight bubbly or dimpled look to an extremely wrinkled one.
Polishing your high shine silver regularly will help to keep tarnish at bay but only use a non-abrasive soft cleaning cloth. Wearing and handling will also help to minimise tarnish.
Do not immerse your silver in salt water, chlorine, mineral springs or suntan cream. Some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach which will cause discolouration and can loosen gemstones. Never use dips or abrasives on gemstones. Chemical solutions, ultrasonic cleaners and ammonia will damage opaque gemstones such as malachite, turquoise, opals and onyx. Because the stones are porous, they can absorb the chemicals which will cause discolouration. The best method of cleaning is to wipe them gently with a moist soft cloth.
When you are not wearing your silver, try to keep each piece wrapped separately in tissue paper which you can place into individual cloth pouches. This will help avoid tarnishing and stop pieces scratching each other.
The best way to care for your pearls is to wear them – your body’s natural oils will help keep them lustrous. After wearing, wipe them with a soft cloth before putting them away in a leather or cloth bag where they can “breathe”. Manufactured body oils, perfumes, hair spray and make-up will stain pearls and excessive strong sunlight will turn them yellow. Necklaces consisting of larger pearls should have a knot between each one. Pearls should be restrung professionally every year or so to prevent excessive wear.
Dichroic glass appears to be different colours when viewed from different angles or in varying degrees of illumination. The glass is created by adding a thin layer of metallic oxides which transmit certain light wavelengths while reflecting others. This is what gives the glass its iridescent effect.
For reasons of hygiene, we regret that earrings cannot be returned to us.
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