Frequently asked questions
We exclusively work with silver and gold however, you will find that most online jewelry stores just use a plating of silver or gold, over a cheaper metal like steel or brass.
The precious metals gold, silver, platinum and palladium are durable, don't corrode and are hypoallergenic. They are also valuable, so if you ever need to sell your jewelry, you'll get a good price for it.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for fashion jewelry because it's less expensive than precious metals but it doesn't have the same attributes. It can rust, discolor skin and cause allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, steel is very difficult to polish, causing any gold plating to look uneven. Brass is another inexpensive metal often used in costume jewelry. Like stainless steel, it can cause skin irritation and tarnish over time.
Both plated and solid jewelry can tarnish if not cared for properly. With normal wear, jewelry accumulates scratches, dirt, and oil from your skin
If your jewelry is looking a little dull, there are some easy ways to make it look brand-new again. Here are a few tips:
Clean with soap and warm water
In most cases, a little cleaning is all that's needed to make your jewelry shine like new. This will remove any dirt or buildup on the surface of the jewelry and make it shine. You can either clean your jewelry using a mild soap and warm water, or take it to a professional jeweler for a more thorough cleaning. To do it at home, put hand soap and water in a bowl. Dip your jewelry in the bowl, rub it with your fingers or a soft cloth, then rinse and dab it dry.
Polish
Next, you may want to try polishing your jewelry. This will remove microscopic scratches and restore the mirror-like surface. You can either use a commercial jewelry polish or make your own polish using a mixture of baking soda and water. To do this, mix three parts baking soda with one part water. Wet your jewelry and apply the paste with a soft, lint-free cloth. Stroke and gently rub your jewelry pieces, then rinse well and pat dry.
Consider having your jewelry replated
Finally, if the gold plating on your jewelry has started to wear off, you may want to have it replated. This is a process where a thin layer of 18 or 24K gold is applied over the silver, and it will make your bling look brand new again (Assuming no deep scratches).
Gold plating will eventually start to wear off, slowly revealing the silver underneath. Provided that you don't wear you jewelry in risky situations (such as weightlifting) this will take a long time, usually 2 years+. Luckily, replating with new 18 or 24K gold is a relatively easy process, and offered as a service by us and many other jewellers. However, you should note that the quality and thickness of the plating can vary a lot.