Gold

Gold comes in different grades & colours, 9kt, 14kt, 18kt, 22kt & pure gold, which is recognised by the hallmark 24kt. Gold is anaturally yellow metal and to produce rose gold or white gold, other metals like copper and silver are added to give the gold its alternative colours. Like with the other metals I use, gold always looks best when worn. Wearing your jewellery regularly, keeps it looking shiny & adds character to a metal that ages well. To prevent tarnishing, which can be the case with 9kt gold, rubbing on a thick fabric like denim will buff up the higher areas. Avoid using chemical dips as they can be corrosive and cause tarnishing to come back quicker. If you take your gold jewellery to a jewellery shop to be cleaned, ask for it to be cleaned by ultrasonic.

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver 925 is a hallmarked standard of quality recognised by the U.K. Assay Office. It is an alloy containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper, which gives it it’s strength & malleability. The copper, however, does react to moisture in the air. If unworn for long periods it can tarnish & look duller. Rubbing on a thick fabric will buff up the higher areas. You can use a silver polishing cloth, but make sure you wash the piece properly afterwards. Avoid using liquid silver dips as the chemicals can cause the tarnish to return more regularly & with a yellowish hue. If using a chemical cleaning cloth or agent, be sure to wash your jewellery thoroughly afterwards with warm, soapy water & an old toothbrush, If you take it to a jewellery shop for cleaning, ask for it to be cleaned by ultrasonic I polish all my jewellery to a very high standard so it should stay brilliant for longer. To keep it looking brilliant wearing it will lessen tarnishing & keep your piece shiny.

Gold Plated Silver or Vermeil

Although Vermeil has become the standard affordable alternative to gold, it is shrouded in misinformation, which affects both jewellers and their customers. Vermeil is not permanent & there is often a misconception that it should last for years. Historically gold plate did last longer, but methods for plating were different & unregulated so quite often were very thickly coated. 3 Microns is now a standard within the industry which works well on necklaces & pendants. In the case of rings, which are more regularly worn it is less effective & certain areas of contact wear away very quickly, if worn when doing daily tasks like washing hands. I always give my rings 5 Microns of plating to ensure a quality coating, but this does not mean you can do the dishes in it. Vermeil does have its qualities however, giving your jewellery that lovely warm golden colour you only otherwise get with 18kt gold. Gold plated rings are perfect for special occasions as a statement ring. The plating protects the silver from tarnishing & if you have allergies to base metals then vermeil is the best option to an affordable alternative to gold.