925 Sterling Silver
* occasionally I do sell 925 Sterling Silver and 18ct Gold Plated / Rose Plated jewellery
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper. Hence why it is called 925 sterling silver.
Silver tarnishes when it is exposed to the air. This process is called Oxidization and results in a tarnishing effect on the silver which is called Silver Sulphate. This is the chemical reaction the other metals and copper have with the air. This is what creates that blue/brown look on the silver. It can also leave marks on your skin if you haven’t cleaned the jewellery item.
The reason silver is mixed with other metals to create sterling silver is because silver on its own is too soft a metal for the everyday wear of jewellery. By mixing it with other metals, it makes it a stronger and harder wearing metal. A few people with especially moist skin may find that the sterling silver stains their skin green. This is due to the copper component of the silver alloy.
When this occurs you should polish you jewellery frequently. As with any fine jewellery, avoid direct use of cosmetics, perfumes and hair care items on your jewellery. Jewellery should be put on after make-up and hair products. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh jewellery cleaners, but rather silver polishing cloth and a soft damp cloth when necessary.
316 Stainless Steel (my favourite metal to work with)
Stainless steel is extremely strong and durable. It does not tarnish, corrode (will never go black) and will not discolour your skin. For our stainless steel gold and rose gold pieces; although our products are of high quality our gold & rose gold pieces may fade over time due to direct exposure to lotions, perfumes and acidic residue built up over time. To avoid fading, regular cleaning of your piece in some water and dry thoroughly will help with longer lasting colour.
It is really hard to determine a specific length of wear as it will depend on the condition of use. The plating method used is quite advanced and is designed not to rub away quickly. Remember, metal against metal or rubbing against desks at work, or contact with harsh chemicals may cause scuff, denting or fading.
Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Alkeme
We use other non precious metals such as Aluminium, Brass, Copper and Alkeme. Aluminium & Alkeme will not tarnish and they look exactly like polished sterling silver. Brass and Copper will tarnish just like sterling silver.
Using a jewellery cleaning cloth to polish your items will bring back their shine.
Handle your Personalised Locket with care:-
- Handle with care & love.
- The glass on your Locket is fragile & can break.
- To keep your Locket looking shiny & new, gently use a dry polishing cloth.
- Take off your jewellery when using harsh chemicals, applying beauty products or entering extreme heat or cold.
- Locket may be dangerous and hazardous for kids under the age of 3 years old.