Jewellery Care and Size Guide

 

 

Jewellery Care for 925 Sterling Silver Plated Over Brass

925 Sterling Silver Plated Over Brass jewellery is beautiful and affordable but requires special care to prevent tarnishing and wear. Follow these steps to keep your pieces looking their best.

1. Avoid Exposure to Moisture

• Remove before bathing or swimming: Water, especially chlorinated or salty water, can cause tarnishing and may lead to the silver plating wearing off over time.
• Keep away from sweat: Moisture from sweating, especially during exercise, can also cause the brass underneath the silver plating to oxidize and tarnish.
• Dry thoroughly: If your jewellery does get wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth.

2. Avoid Chemicals and Products

• Avoid perfumes, lotions, and hairspray: These products contain chemicals that can damage the silver plating, causing it to wear off or tarnish more quickly.
• Remove before cleaning: Household cleaners, detergents, and other harsh chemicals can also cause damage. Make sure to remove your jewellery before using any cleaning products.

3. Clean Gently

• Use a soft polishing cloth: Gently clean your jewellery with a soft microfiber or jewellery polishing cloth after each wear to remove oils, sweat, or dirt.
• Mild soap solution: If needed, wash gently with a soft cloth and a mild soap diluted in water. Avoid soaking the jewellery, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken the silver plating.
• Avoid abrasive materials: Do not use harsh brushes or cloths that could scratch the silver or rub off the plating.

4. Store Carefully

• Store individually: To avoid scratches, store your silver-plated jewellery separately in soft cloth pouches, or use a lined jewellery box.

5. Wear with Care

• Avoid friction: Silver plating can wear off more quickly if the jewellery is rubbed frequently against hard surfaces or other jewellery.

6. Replating

• Replate when necessary: Over time, the silver plating may wear off and expose the brass underneath. When this happens, you can have the piece professionally replated to restore its original shine and appearance.
  
  By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your 925 Sterling Silver Plated Over Brass jewellery, keeping it looking polished and radiant for longer.

 

 

Jewellery Care for Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Cubic Zirconia is a durable, beautiful gemstone, but like all jewellery, it needs proper care to preserve its brilliance. Follow these tips to keep your Cubic Zirconia jewellery looking stunning for years to come.

1. Clean Regularly to Maintain Shine

• Use mild soap and water: Clean your CZ jewellery regularly with a soft cloth or brush and a mixture of mild soap and warm water. This will remove oils, dirt, and residue that can dull its sparkle.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from cleaners containing alcohol, ammonia, or bleach, as they can damage the stone’s surface or dull its shine.
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots from forming on the stone.

2. Avoid Contact with Chemicals

• Remove before using lotions or perfumes: Chemicals in beauty products like perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup can build up on the stone, reducing its shine over time.
• Take off during household chores: Avoid exposing your CZ jewellery to cleaning agents, bleach, or chlorine, as they can cause discoloration or cloudiness on the stone.

3. Store Carefully

• Separate your jewellery: Store your Cubic Zirconia jewellery individually in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and tangles. Although CZ is durable, it can still be scratched by harder gemstones like diamonds.
• Avoid humidity: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place. Exposure to humidity can cause tarnishing of the metal settings over time, especially if the piece is silver or gold-plated.

4. Handle with Care

• Avoid impact: Although Cubic Zirconia is a relatively hard stone, it is not as hard as diamonds and can chip or crack if dropped or knocked against a hard surface. Take care when wearing your jewellery to avoid accidental damage.

5. Polish for Extra Sparkle

• Polish with a soft cloth: Occasionally, buff your CZ jewellery with a soft, dry jewellery cloth to restore its shine and remove any smudges or fingerprints.
• Use a jewellery cleaning solution: If your CZ stones start looking dull, you can use a non-abrasive jewellery cleaner designed for delicate stones. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the settings. 

6. Inspect Settings

• Check the settings regularly: Over time, the metal prongs or settings holding the CZ stones may become loose. Inspect your jewellery for loose stones or damaged prongs, and take it to a jeweller for repairs if needed to prevent loss of stones.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your Cubic Zirconia jewellery maintains its brilliant sparkle and remains in excellent condition for a long time.

 

 

Jewellery Care for Rhodium-Plated Jewellery

Rhodium plating enhances jewellery by providing a bright, reflective finish and protection from tarnishing. However, because the rhodium layer is thin, proper care is necessary to maintain its appearance and durability. Follow these tips to care for your rhodium-plated pieces:

1. Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals

• Remove before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray: These products contain chemicals that can wear down the rhodium plating over time.
• Take off during household chores: Avoid exposing your jewellery to cleaning agents, bleach, chlorine, and detergents, as they can corrode the plating.
• Avoid chlorinated pools: Remove rhodium-plated jewellery before swimming in pools or hot tubs, as chlorine can significantly degrade the plating.

2. Clean Gently and Regularly

• Use mild soap and water: Clean your jewellery with a soft cloth or brush and a solution of warm water and mild soap. This helps to remove oils, dirt, and other residue that can accumulate on the surface.
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots or tarnishing on the metal underneath.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners: Do not use harsh chemicals, polishing cloths, or abrasive materials, as these can scratch or wear down the rhodium layer.

3. Store Carefully

• Separate your jewellery: Store rhodium-plated pieces separately in soft cloth pouches or a lined jewellery box to avoid contact with other jewellery. Storing them separately helps to prevent scratching and premature wear.
• Avoid humidity: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity. Exposure to air and moisture can cause the plating to fade faster.

4. Handle with Care

• Avoid friction: Rhodium plating can wear off more quickly when exposed to regular friction, especially on rings and bracelets that rub against surfaces or other jewellery.

5. Replating

• Replate when necessary: Over time, rhodium plating can wear off, especially on items like rings that are worn daily. When this happens, the underlying metal may become visible, and you can have the piece professionally replated to restore its original shine.
• Regular inspection: Check your rhodium-plated jewellery periodically to see if any areas are losing their coating. Replating is a common practice and is recommended when the piece starts to dull or discolor.

6. Polishing and Maintenance

• Use a soft polishing cloth: Occasionally, buff your jewellery with a soft, non-abrasive jewellery polishing cloth to maintain its shine. Do not use silver or metal polishing compounds, as they can strip the rhodium plating.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: Ultrasonic or steam cleaners are not recommended for rhodium-plated jewellery, as they can cause the plating to wear off more quickly.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your rhodium-plated jewellery retains its brilliant shine and appearance for as long as possible. While rhodium plating will eventually wear down, proper care can extend its lifespan, keeping your jewellery looking radiant and beautiful.