Jewellery is more than just an accessory. it often holds sentimental value and tells a unique story. Whether it’s a delicate gold vermeil pendant, a lustrous pearl necklace, or a dazzling gemstone ring, each piece requires specific care to maintain its beauty and longevity. In this guide, we'll explore how to properly care for jewellery made from various materials, including 18k gold PVD plated on stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold filled, 14k solid gold, and brass.
1. 18k Gold PVD Plated on Stainless Steel. The material used for waterproof and tarnish-resistant jewellery.
What It Is: 18k gold PVD plated jewellery involves using a more advanced Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) process, where 18k gold particles are vaporised and deposited onto a base metal like stainless steel in a vacuum chamber, creating a thicker, more durable layer up to 2 microns or more, resulting in superior resistance to wear, scratching, and fading, offering a longer-lasting and more affordable alternative to solid gold.
Care Tips:
PVD plated jewellery requires less maintenance than gold-plated jewellery due to its durability. However, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasives is still advisable. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth can help maintain its shine. Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place, preferably in a jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratches. HYE jewellery always comes in our leatherette pouch and an FSC-certified paper box for this purpose.
2. 925 Sterling Silver
What It Is: Sterling silver is a popular metal made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This alloy adds strength to the otherwise soft pure silver.
Care Tips:
Silver tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. Store sterling silver jewellery in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Use a silver polishing cloth to clean your jewellery regularly. Avoid using tissue or paper towels, as they can scratch the silver. Keep your silver away from household chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes, as these can accelerate tarnishing.
3. Gold Vermeil
What It Is: Gold vermeil is a type of jewellery made by coating sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. The gold layer on vermeil jewellery is typically much thicker than standard gold plating, usually measuring at least 2.5 microns. This thickness ensures greater durability and resistance to wear and tarnish over time.
Care Tips:
While more durable than standard gold plating, gold vermeil still requires care to maintain its appearance. It is advisable to avoid exposure to water, chemicals, and abrasive surfaces and to clean it gently with a soft cloth.
5. Gold Filled
What it is :14k gold filled jewellery consists of a solid layer of 14k gold that is mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically brass or copper. The gold layer must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the item, which is significantly thicker than the gold layer found in standard gold-plated jewellery.The gold layer on gold-filled jewellery is usually around 100 times thicker than that of gold-plated jewellery. This thickness ensures greater durability and a longer lifespan, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Care Tips:
Keep away from chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, and lotions that can potentially damage the gold layer. Clean with a mild soap and warm water solution, then gently pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.Store in a cool, dry place, preferably in a jewellery box or pouch, to prevent scratches and other damage.
5. 14K Solid Gold
What It Is:14k solid gold jewellery contains 58.3% pure gold, with the remaining percentage made up of other metals to increase durability. It is ideal for everyday wear due to its strength.
Care Tips:
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Inspect your gold jewellery for any signs of wear, such as loose settings or clasps, and have them professionally checked if needed.Keep away from chlorine and harsh cleaning agents, which can weaken the metal over time.
6. Brass
What It Is: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, often used in fashion jewellery. It is affordable and has a warm, golden appearance.
Care Tips:
Brass can tarnish and develop a patina over time. To prevent this, keep brass jewellery dry and store it in an airtight container. Use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda or a brass cleaner to remove tarnish. Gently rub with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly. Water can accelerate tarnishing, so always remove brass jewellery before washing hands or swimming.
General Jewellery Care Tips
- Rotate Your Jewellery: Wearing the same piece daily can lead to quicker wear and tear. Rotate your jewellery to extend its life.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your jewellery regularly for signs of damage, such as loose stones or worn prongs.
- Professional Cleaning: Take your jewellery to a professional jeweller for cleaning and inspection at least once a year.