Jewellery Care

Unless it is a bespoke piece, KristinM jewellery is mostly made from solid sterling silver, gold plated sterling silver, oxydised stirling silver, semi precious stones and pearls.

SILVER

Sterling Silver in the UK is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, which is usually copper. The copper toughens the silver and makes it possible to use for jewellery. Silver is susceptible to damage by chlorine and salt, so avoid wearing silver jewellery when using chlorine or bleach or while swimming, either in the sea or pool (or relaxing in a hot tub).

If your silver has tarnished (turned dull or dark grey) you can remove this by either using a non-abrasive silver polishing cloth or a liquid silver dip. Both available from supermarkets (in the UK). It’s recommended to only use silver dip occasionally as over use can be detrimental to your jewellery. Always make sure you rinse the jewellery properly after you’ve cleaned/polished your pieces.

To keep tarnishing down do not store your jewellery next to heating vents, windowsills or in the bathroom. Damp and hot conditions will cause jewellery to tarnish badly.

GOLD PLATED STERLING SILVER

Gold plating is a process achieved by microns of gold being fused to the surface of the Silver. As gold plating is a surface finish, it can be susceptible to wear, but if looked after carefully, signs of wear should only occur over a very long period of time. It is advised to avoid wearing gold plated jewellery while swimming either in the sea or a pool or just bathing. Perfumes can also affect gold plating so allow your perfume to dry before you put any gold plated jewellery on. It is also recommended to remove any gold plated rings before applying hand cream as the acids in moisturisers can affect the longevity of the plating.

Although gold plated silver wont tarnish, it will get dirty with time so wash with lukewarm soapy water with a soft cloth or a toothbrush.

be nice to your jewellery 

Although Silver, Gold and Platinum are metals, they are soft metals that will erode with time. Gems even diamonds are vulnerable, especially in rings so it's advised to remove any jewellery before any form of physical activity, may it be cleaning, gardening, or exercising, especially lifting heavy objects. 

Cosmetics and perfumes should be put on before your jewellery, as skin and hair products and perfumes can react with your jewellery causing it to tarnish and discolour.

Store jewellery separately, so that they don't scratch against each other or tangle. If possible keep your jewellery in zip lock bags or acid free tissues, when not wearing it, as exposure to air and the environment can cause the jewellery to tarnish. 

Take extra care when cleaning jewellery with gemstones and pearls, as these can be either treated or very porous. If you use the wrong methods or products your gems and pearls may be damaged. If you are unsure, ask a jeweller to advice you.