One of the most frequent questions asked about our handmade jewelry is will it tarnish? The short answer is no...but there's a lot more to the story than a quick yes or no.
When using the word tarnish, most people mean will this turn my neck/finger/ears black or green or some other funky colour? In regards to our jewelry the answer is a resounding NO.
Skin discolouration generally happens with low-quality nickel-laden metals that often have a price tag to match their lifespan.
What does happen with some metals is oxidization. It's a naturally occurring reaction between the oxygen in the air and the metal.
With sterling silver, it slowly causes a dull yellowish layer to build up on your ring or bracelet or earrings. With time and more exposure to air this layer gets darker and darker.
The good news is that you can stop it yourself at home. Here's how.
STERLING SILVER
It's my experience that the more you wear your silver jewelry, the less it tarnishes. It often comes in direct contact with oils from your skin which help protect it from discolouring. Rings are washed with soap and water frequently, which also helps reduce the oxidization process.
If your silver does start to look dull or yellowish, there's a couple things you can do.
- Polishing cloth: gently rub the surface of your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth that has been impregnated with a gentle polishing compound to remove build-up. These work best.
- Soak: let your jewelry soak for a few hours in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, then use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush off the build-up. Best for intricate pieces, not for pearls.
- Store: use small ziploc bags to store your jewelry when it's not being worn. This reduces exposure to air, slowing the oxidization process. Do not store in humid places (i.e. the bathroom).
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Avoid: harsh chemical baths, abrasives or dips. These all pit and scratch the surface which over time creates more area for oxidization to occur and decreases shine.
14k GOLD-FILLED
Much of our handmade jewelry is 14k gold-fill and requires minimal care. Gold-fill is comprised of a thick layer of gold that is heat-bonded to a brass core. The gold won't flake or rub off and can be exposed to freshwater and soap. It will last a lifetime if cared for properly.
- Polishing cloth: gently rub the surface of your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth that has been impregnated with a gentle polishing compound to remove build-up. These work best.
- Avoid: harsh chemical baths, abrasives or dips. These all pit and scratch the surface which could remove some of the gold layer over time.
Remember: your jewelry should be last on and first off. Remove it before exercising, swimming and make sure to apply sunscreens, perfumes and lotions (and let them dry completely) before putting on your precious jewels!
FREE CLEANING
Remember that you can always bring your jewelry to us for cleaning, free of charge! Email us for details.