Jewelry Care

GOLD FILLED

Gold-filled jewelry consists of a layer of gold that's mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically jeweler's brass. It's gaining popularity as an alternative to solid gold due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. But how does it compare to gold plated? 

Unlike gold-plated items, which have a thin layer of gold coating, gold-filled jewelry has a layer of 14kt gold. By law, it must contain at least 5% or 1/20 of its weight in gold. This means gold-filled pieces retain their value better than gold-plated ones, which contain only a minimal amount of gold.

The pressure bonding process makes gold-filled jewelry more resistant to tarnishing and chipping compared to gold-plated items. This durability explains why gold-filled jewelry typically costs about twice as much as gold-plated pieces. With proper care, gold-filled jewelry won't flake or chip, and it remains tarnish-resistant.

To keep your gold-filled jewelry looking its best and ensure its longevity, follow these best practices:

  1. Avoid wearing jewelry during physical activities such as running, crossfit, gardening, hiking, swimming, and doing household chores.
  2. Keep jewelry away from chemicals like shampoos, harsh soaps, lotions, makeup, and hairspray. Also, avoid contact with household items and foods containing sulfur when possible.
  3. Limit exposure to chlorine from pools, hot tubs, or spas.
  4. Avoid using abrasive materials like terry cloth, bath towels, shirts, tissues, or paper towels to polish your jewelry.
  5. Store your jewelry in a dry, air-tight container, such as a ziplock bag. Clean your piece before storing using a microfiber or lens cloth to remove any tarnish or oxidation.
  6. Clean your jewelry regularly with mild soap, pat dry without rubbing.
  7. Take extra care with items like chokers and bracelets that are in constant contact with your skin, as they may need more frequent cleaning.
  8. Be aware of individual body chemistry reactions. Factors like pregnancy, thyroid disorders, hormone levels, and medications can affect body alkalinity and acidity, potentially causing reactions with the metal. It varies from person to person.

STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver, with copper often making up the remaining 7.5%. It's categorized as a precious metal. Here are some key points about sterling silver:

While sterling silver is more robust than pure silver, it's softer than gold-filled metal and can scratch easily if not handled carefully. Tarnishing is a natural process for sterling silver, affecting even the highest-quality pieces. This tarnishing occurs due to a chemical reaction between the silver and the air, as well as any chemicals it comes into contact with. Interestingly, your skin's oils and chemistry can actually help preserve sterling silver, making regular wear beneficial. Some people's body chemistry can lead to tarnishing of sterling silver. Factors like pregnancy, thyroid disorders, hormonal fluctuations, medications, and overall body pH levels can cause reactions with the metal. This varies from person to person.

To ensure your sterling silver jewelry maintains its beauty and durability, follow these care tips:

  1. Avoid wearing jewelry during physical activities such as running, crossfit, gardening, hiking, swimming, and household chores.
  2. Remove jewelry before using chemicals, including shampoos, harsh soaps, lotions, makeup, and hairspray. Always put your jewelry on last, after completing your hair and makeup.
  3. Avoid sulfur-containing products, as sulfur is corrosive. This includes items like fruit juice, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, rubber, and steel wool.
  4. Protect your jewelry from moisture and sunlight by removing it before showering, bathing, swimming, or sunbathing.
  5. Use gentle materials for cleaning. Avoid abrasive materials like terry cloth, bath towels, shirts, tissues, or paper towels, as they can scratch the metal. Instead, use a soft cloth, lens cloth, or microfiber cloth for cleaning.
  6. Clean your jewelry with mild soap and water, gently rubbing with your fingers. Ensure the piece is thoroughly dried afterward to prevent oxidation.
  7. Store your jewelry in a cool, dark, low-humidity environment in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag. Clean your piece before storing and consider using anti-tarnishing papers or bags for added protection.

MIYUKI BEADS

Caring for Miyuki beads in jewelry requires a combination of gentle handling, proper storage, and occasional maintenance to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Here's how to take care of Miyuki beads used in jewelry:

  1. Gentle Handling: When wearing Miyuki bead jewelry, handle it with care to avoid knocking the beads against hard surfaces, which could cause chipping or breakage. Always put on your jewelry last when dressing and remove it first when undressing to minimize exposure to potential damage

  2. Storage: Store your Miyuki bead jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box with individual compartments to prevent scratching and tangling. Keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to avoid color fading and moisture damage.

  3. Cleaning: Clean your Miyuki bead jewelry regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt, oils, and sweat that can accumulate over time. For deeper cleaning, you can use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to gently scrub the beads. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Make sure the jewelry is completely dry before storing it.

  4. Avoid Chemicals: Keep your Miyuki bead jewelry away from harsh chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays, as these can tarnish or discolor the beads and metal components. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry and allow them to dry completely.