We all love our jewellery and want it to stay as shiny and bright as the day we bought it. Though I too am guilty of having a tangle of chains and charms languishing on a dusty corner of my dressing table. The fact is, if your jewellery isn’t sparkling and read-to-go, you are far less likely to wear it. Whatever the material or the cost of your gems, with a little care, there is no reason they can’t be maintained for a lifetime. Meaning that the materials and energy used to make them can keep on giving and the pieces you cherish the most can be worn and worn again.
We’ll start with establishing what the piece is made from. If you’re already sure of this then you can skip this step.
What is your jewellery made from?
You may already have an idea if you jewellery is solid gold, silver, brass, stainless steel or plated. This is a big big subject but I’ll give you some ideas of what to look out for.
Solid Gold
Solid gold can be yellow, red or white but is almost always hallmarked. This could be a full hallmark with the assay office, date, fineness and makers mark. Fineness marks can be 375 (9ct), 750 (18ct) or 10k or 14k and so on. This will depend on the country of origin. More detailed information can be found on The Goldsmiths Assay Office Website.
Solid Silver
Like gold, solid silver is often hallmarked, though less often with a complete hallmark. Most often silver is marked with a ‘925’ stamp (unfortunately this is not a guarantee that the metal is silver). Also, visually silver has a pearlescent look to it and a good weight in the hand. If you look closer, any scratches in the metal should reveal more silver. If you can see another colour underneath it could be that your jewellery is plated.
Brass
Brass is gold and often a richer gold than real gold! Also (and bear with me here) brass has a distinctive smell, a metallic iron smell. It also tarnishes very easily, darkens and this can come off on the skin.
Plated metals
Gold or Silver plated metals are the most delicate of materials in many ways and often difficult to identify. The base metal can be an alloy (mixture of cheaper metals), brass, stainless steel or sometimes solid silver. If Gold over silver it may well be hallmarked silver (as described above). GF is often stamped on vintage plated jewellery denoting ‘Gold Fill’, a heavy gold plated. Sometimes the number of microns will be indicated (thickness of plating). Gold plated stainless steel is one of the the most sturdy bonds in my opinion, as the base metal is the least reactive to the skin and other chemicals.
Plated jewellery will often have no hallmarked to indicate the metal. The purchase price can also be indicative. It is often associated with the more inexpensive end of the market however not always. Costume jewellery from Italian fashion houses can fetch thousands and revered designers often work with cheaper base metals in order to make their larger pieces more accessible or less weighty.
With vintage plated jewellery the base material may have become visible beneath the plating. There may be traces of green or a reaction with the skin. The metal may not react well with the water, corrode etc.
Once you’ve figured out the material you find out how best to store, clean, and treat your jewellery, to keep it at it’s very best!
General guidance caring for jewellery
It’s recommended that all jewellery should be stored in a dry place. Jewellery boxes or jewellery rolls are perfect. I love these from EcoBlueShop, ethically made and in a beautiful range of colours. Compartments can keep jewellery separate to prevent from scratching and entangling. Chlorine in swimming pools can cause erosion and discolouration and is a no-no, as is perfume and sunscreen.
The following advice applies to specific materials.
Solid Gold
Gold is one of the most resilient of metals, this is partly the reason for it’s historical value. Still, be kind to your jewellery. You can gently buff with a soft, clean, duster cloth to shine up from time to time. Even 22ct gold can tarnish or general dirt can build up. For a deep, thorough clean I use a soft toothbrush in soapy lukewarm water, dry with a towel and then buff gentle.
Solid Silver
Caring for silver is very similar to gold. However, silver tarnishes much quicker than gold, especially if it is exposed to the air or in non acid free paper. Unlike