Caring for your Jewellery

Silver will tarnish over time - this is a completely natural process. Due to the textured surface and finish of your jewellery it is best to clean it by immersing in warm soapy water and rubbing it gently with a non-abrasive cloth or for harder to reach areas, a soft toothbrush.

Here’s a brilliantly effective and eco-friendly way to clean your more heavily tarnished pieces in minutes with just three simple ingredients; boiling water, bicarbonate of soda and aluminium foil. Simply line a container with foil, shiny side up. Fill with enough water to completely submerge your jewellery, then add a couple of tablespoons of bicarb and pop in your pieces, making sure they are touching the aluminium.

The first time i tried this magical process, i was mesmerised. Immediately the mixture starts to bubble and fizz and you can see the tarnish starting to lift. The magic behind this fast and efficient cleaning process is the way the tarnish coating on the silver reacts with the aluminium. Sulfur atoms adhere to silver over time, creating a dark tarnished look (silver sulfide). This is carried by the solution and transferred onto the aluminium, forming aluminium sulfide and leaving your jewellery looking great. The process can be repeated if necessary. Please note: It is always best not to submerge semi-precious stones in any solution, stick to cleaning them with the first method mentioned above.

Eco-friendly methods are definitely the best, no more harsh chemicals for me! It’s quick, easy and effective, kinder to the environment and you can recycle the aluminium :)

Either process should be followed by a thorough rinse with cold water.

Remove any surplus water with a dry clean cloth and allow to air dry before buffing the silver gently.

If your piece has glass beads, they will look like they’ve just tumbled from the sea :) If you prefer them to have a shiny finish, rub the surface of your beads with a little coconut or baby oil.

Some of my designs are suitable for quick cleaning with a silver cloth. You will know if it’s ok for your piece because I will include one for you with your jewellery.

When your jewellery is not being worn, storing it in a cool dark place in it’s box, will help to prevent tarnish from forming and keep it looking it’s best!