JEWELRY CARE
Jewelry Care
14k GOLD FILLED
WHAT IS GOLD FILLED?
✦High quality
✦Long lasting
✦Affordable alternative to solid gold
Gold filled jewelry is the perfect alternative to solid gold and (when cared for properly) can last for several years. Gold filled jewelry is more affordable than solid gold jewelry, so you get the look and feel of solid gold without the hefty price tag!
Gold filled jewelry has several layers of gold bonded to a base metal (usually brass) with extremely high heat and pressure. Because of the high heat and pressure bonding process, the gold layer does not wear off easily like plated jewelry does.
GOLD PERCENTAGE IN GOLD FILLED vs GOLD PLATED
The amount of gold in gold filled jewelry is legally required to contain a minimum of 5% (or 1/20) of the total weight of the piece.
Gold plated jewelry is usually electroplated/dipped in a thin layer of gold (approximately 0.05% of gold). This is why gold filled jewelry is considered to be 100x stronger than plated jewelry.
GOLD FILLED CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Gold filled jewelry is still not completely solid gold so if not properly taken care of the gold layer can eventually wear/scratch off over time.
✓ Can be worn in the shower
✘ Not recommended to be worn in pools/hot tubs with harsh chemicals
✘ Keep away from hard surfaces to prevent scratching
HOW TO CLEAN GOLD FILLED JEWELRY
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Make sure you plug your sink drain hole before cleaning any jewelry!
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Clean the piece ever so gently with mild soapy water. A very soft toothbrush can be used to gently scrub chains (I usually hold the chain in the palm of my hand).
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Be sure to fully rinse with water and completely dry the piece(s) before storing.
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Store pieces away from direct sunlight.
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To restore shine on dull pieces you can rub with a jewelry polishing cloth. This is only recommended as needed, over-polishing can remove the gold layer over time.
STERLING SILVER
STERLING SILVER CARE INSTRUCTIONS
✓ Can be worn in the shower
✘ Not recommended to be worn in pools/hot tubs with harsh chemicals
✘ Keep away from hard surfaces to prevent scratching
HOW TO CLEAN STERLING SILVER JEWELRY
Sterling silver will naturally tarnish (turn dark) when exposed to air. This is normal and can be completely restored with a simple jewelry dip (like this one) or polishing cloth.
TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT SILVER FROM TARNISHING QUICKLY:
It's encouraged to live in your sterling silver pieces!
Simply wearing your sterling silver jewelry will prevent it from tarnishing because your body's natural oils will cleanse the jewelry.
Whenever you do take off your jewelry you can store it in an airtight ziplock baggie away from direct sunlight.
PLATED & VERMEIL
WHAT IS "GOLD PLATED / SILVER PLATED" JEWELRY?
Plated jewelry is usually done by a process called electroplating where the base metal pieces (usually brass or copper) are essentially "dipped" (electroplated) in a thin layer of coating (Gold plated jewelry usually contains approximately 0.05% of gold). It's the most affordable option but is not meant to last. Follow the care instructions below to make the pieces last longer.
WHAT IS "VERMEIL" JEWELRY?
Vermeil jewelry is similar to plated jewelry but vermeil has a base of .925 Sterling Silver instead which is why it's a bit more expensive than normal plated jewelry. Vermeil jewelry should be treated just like plated jewelry as the gold layer is prone to wear off.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLATED & VERMEIL JEWELRY
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Avoid contact with water, sweat, perfume, lotion and oils.
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Do not wear in pools/hot tubs
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Keep away from hard surfaces to prevent any scratching.
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After wearing, wipe gently with a soft (un-treated) cloth to remove any dirt and skin oils.
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Store in an airtight zip lock baggie away from direct sunlight.
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Do not use jewelry polishing cloths on plated pieces as it will wear the plating off quicker.