Jewelry types and care

 

Gold PLATING

A gold plated item is covered with a thin layer of gold. The item, for example, a necklace, is not made from gold but rather a different metal or a gold alloy and is then covered with traces of gold. The thin layer of gold gives the piece of jewelry a shiny, golden appearance.

CarE

  1. Remove your jewelry before you swim in chlorine or salt water.

  2. Remove your jewelry before participating in activities that will cause you to sweat a lot.

  3. Wait to put on your jewelry until after you have applied lotion, makeup or perfume.

  4. Remove jewelry if you will be bringing it into contact with something hard. (For example, take off your ring before lifting weights.)

  5. Store your plated jewelry where it won’t rub against other hard substances (a soft bag—one per piece of jewelry—is ideal).

Wipe your gold plated jewelry after each use, using a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You may also soak it for a few minutes in warm, soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth as needed (or a soft toothbrush to clean small cracks and crevices).

If your jewelry is tarnished beyond what a good cleaning can remedy, all is not lost. You can breathe new life into your jewelry by having it re-plated. Please reach out to me any time and I will re-plate for a flat rate of $40.00.

Gold vermeil

Also know as “gilded silver,” gold vermeil is a more upscale practice of gold-plating wherein the base is always sterling silver and the plating is a much higher density. According to U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (16 CFR 23.5), the plating in gold vermeil must be:

  • 10 karats or higher

  • 2.5 microns thick (0.0001 inch)

Karats define the amount of pure gold in a piece of jewelry, to differentiate gold mixed with other components. Karats are measured on a scale of 24 parts:

  • 24K gold is 100% gold. There are no other metals in its makeup.

  • 18k gold is 18 parts pure gold 6 parts other metals (75% gold)

  • 14K gold is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals (58.3% gold)

  • 10K gold is only 10 parts gold, which is less than half (41.7%). In the U.S., 10K is the minimum requirement to legally call a product “gold.”

Care

See the instructions for gold-plating care.

Sterlium Silver

is a sterling silver alloy that is more tarnish resistant than sterling silver and maintains a bright white color.

Care

Like your sterling silver jewelry, sterlium silver will naturally develop a patina and shine over time. If this occurs lightly brush your piece with a small piece of scotch bright to maintain a smooth, matte, silver finish or polish with a polishing cloth for silver with a high shine. When cleaning, avoid any purposeful black oxidized areas and instead focus on the exposed silver.

Product recommendations

First try cleaning with your fingers and warm soapy water
Sunshine Satin Finish Cloths
Goddard’s Silver Dip

Avoid spraying, applying lotions, perfumes or hairspray directly on or near your jewelry. When not wearing, please store your piece in the original packaging, or in a small plastic bag. It is access to the air that causes the metal to tarnish.

My guarantee: should you take proper care of your piece of jewelry, you’ll be able to enjoy wearing it for a lifetime! I am happy to restore the original finish at any time. You will just be responsible for shipping costs.