Why silver tarnishes
Tarnish is a natural reaction between silver and sulphur compounds in the air. Humidity, perfume, lotions, chlorine and some foods speed it up. It is a surface change, not damage, and it can be polished away.
The Art of Brilliance
JEWELLERY CARE.
Fine jewellery is made to be worn and loved. A little care keeps sterling silver and moissanite at their brightest.
Fine jewellery is made to be worn and loved. A little care keeps sterling silver and moissanite looking their best for years.
Care Instructions
Clean your moissanite regularly with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush, then pat dry. It is very durable but can chip if knocked hard, so avoid impacts and check the prongs occasionally. Remove your ring before swimming, showering, exercising or applying beauty products, and keep it away from chlorine, bleach and harsh chemicals. Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing and store it in a dry, airtight pouch, away from other pieces. Sterling silver can tarnish over time, and a silver polishing cloth will restore its shine.
If your ring is rhodium plated, the thin plating will gradually wear with regular use, and the silver beneath may show through. This is normal, and a jeweller can re-plate it to restore the bright white finish.
Everyday wear
Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off first. Remove it before swimming, bathing, exercising, cleaning or sleeping.
Storage
Store each piece separately in a dry, airtight pouch or a lined box to limit exposure to air and to stop pieces scratching one another. Lay necklaces and bracelets flat or hang them so fine chains do not knot. An anti-tarnish strip helps in humid conditions.
Cleaning silver
Polish gently with a soft silver-polishing cloth. For a deeper clean, wash in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive pastes, toothpaste and harsh chemical dips, particularly on pieces set with stones.
Caring for moissanite
Moissanite is very hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and resists scratching, but oils and lotions can dull its sparkle. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry.
Earrings and nose rings
Sterling silver is not suitable for new or healing piercings. Wear silver earrings and nose rings only in fully healed piercings, and ask your piercer if you are unsure. Clean posts and rings before wearing, and never share piercing jewellery.
Professional care
Have ring settings and earring backs checked from time to time so stones stay secure. If a piece is rhodium-plated, the plating wears gradually with time and can be renewed by a jeweller.