Jewellery Care

Steps to maintaining your new gems

Why has my sterling silver or 10K jewellery turned black?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and it uses other alloys like copper to make the metal hard enough to be made into jewellery.  Pure silver is too soft.  It is in fact the other alloys in sterling silver that has oxidized with the air; causing it to darken.

How to Clean Your New Gems

To enjoy your jewellery for years to come, each piece should be cleaned regularly.  The following options are some at-home methods to keep your jewellery sparkling.

• Make a paste with a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent and baking soda.  Using a soft bristle toothbrush, brush the tarnish away.  With just a few strokes, you will see a difference right away.  Repeat as needed.  Rinse well under water and dry with a soft cloth.

  
  

• This is an effortless option cleaning for silver jewellery. You will need some baking soda, aluminum foil, very hot water and a shallow dish to hold everything. Place a layer of foil inside the dish, place your dirty jewellery on top of the foil; add a few tablespoons of baking soda on top of the metal jewellery; pour very hot (just boiled) water on top.  It will start to bubble and fizz off the oxidation.  Allow the jewellery to sit for a few minutes. Remove carefully from hot water and rinse well under water. Dry off with soft cloth. Repeat if needed.  

  
  

How to Store your New Gems

When you are not wearing your gems, store them into an airtight bag similar to a small ziplock plastic bag to prevent jewellery from oxidation.