About Our Different Jewellery Materials
Gold & Rose Gold Vermeil Jewellery
WHAT IS GOLD/ROSE GOLD VERMEIL?
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Gold vermeil is an affordable alternative to solid gold jewellery.
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Basically Gold Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is Gold electroplated or gilded onto Sterling Silver!
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The main difference between vermeil and gold-plated/gold-filled jewellery is that vermeil items have a base made of Sterling Silver, whereas plated and filled pieces can be made with a variety of metals.
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The benefits of gold vermeil include its longevity, low price and high quality.
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY GOLD/ROSE GOLD VERMEIL ITEM?
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As with any Plated/Coated item, this will wear off over time. However as Vermeil is a thicker coating than normal Plated items, the “wear & tear” process takes a lot longer.
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Keep items stored away from other jewellery pieces – i.e. in a separate little felt pouch or air tight container.
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Keep away from direct sunlight.
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Remove when bathing or washing up as chemicals in the soaps may speed up the tarnish/wear process. It’s best to always keep your item dry.
HOW LONG WILL MY GOLD/ROSE GOLD VERMEIL ITEM LAST?
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If your item is only worn for special occasions, it will last for many years.
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With day to day wear, it will show signs or wear & tear a lot quicker.
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Wearing it next to other jewellery items may also speed up the wear & tear process.
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If you are wanting a long last piece of jewellery that you can wear all the time, it is probably worth investing in a solid gold item.
Sterling Silver Jewellery
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?
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Described as 925 Sterling Silver, it is a common alloy mixx found in most jewellery items. Made up of at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal ... usually copper alloy which is there for durability & strength.
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If it doesn't have the 925 stamp, it doesn't mean its fake, but do be careful in these instances.
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY STERLING SILVER ITEM?
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Use a soft cloth to help remove tarnish and keep your item clean.
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Keep items stored away from other jewellery pieces – i.e. in a separate little felt pouch or air tight container. This helps to minimise scratches and other damage.
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Keep away from direct sunlight.
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Remove when bathing or washing up as chemicals in the soaps may speed up the tarnish/wear process. It’s best to always keep your item dry.
HOW LONG WILL MY STERLING SILVER ITEM LAST?
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High quality Sterling Silver will last for years if cared for properly.
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Regular cleaning will help prevent tarnishing and keep it like new.
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Wearing it next to other jewellery items may speed up the wear & tear process, so just be mindful of this.
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Plated Jewellery
WHAT IS PLATING?
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Plating is jewellery usually made from a material such as copper with a thin layer of gold or silver applied on the top.
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Plated jewellery is a cheaper alternative to real gold & silver.
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY PLATED JEWELLERY ITEM?
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Use a soft cloth to help remove tarnish and keep your item clean.
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Keep items stored away from other jewellery pieces – i.e. in a separate little felt pouch or air tight container. This helps to minimise scratches and other damage.
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Keep away from direct sunlight.
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Remove when bathing or washing up as chemicals in the soaps may speed up the tarnish/wear process. It’s best to always keep your item dry.
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Remove when exercising as sweat can cause a negative chemical reaction to your jewellery item.
HOW LONG WILL MY PLATED JEWELLERY LAST?
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When cared for properly, plated jewellery can last for up to 5 years.
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Regular cleaning with a damp microfibre cloth will help prevent tarnishing and keep it like new.
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Don't use harsh chemicals to clean your item.
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Wearing it next to other jewellery items may speed up the wear & tear process, so just be mindful of this.
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Gold & Rose Gold Filled Jewellery
WHAT IS FILLED?
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Filled jewellery is usually made from a base material such as brass or copper with a thin layer of gold mechanically bonded to it.
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Filled jewellery is still high quality but a cheaper alternative to pure gold & silver.
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY GOLD/ROSE GOLD FILLED ITEM?
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As with any Plated/Coated item, this will wear off over time. However as Filled is a thicker coating than normal Plated items, the “wear & tear” process takes a lot longer.
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Keep items stored away from other jewellery pieces – i.e. in a separate little felt pouch or air tight container.
-
Keep away from direct sunlight.
-
Remove when bathing or washing up as chemicals in the soaps may speed up the tarnish/wear process. It’s best to always keep your item dry.
HOW LONG WILL MY GOLD/ROSE GOLD FILLED ITEM LAST?
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If your item is only worn for special occasions, it will last for many years.
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With day to day wear, it will show signs or wear & tear a lot quicker.
-
Wearing it next to other jewellery items may also speed up the wear & tear process.
-
If you are wanting a long last piece of jewellery that you can wear all the time, it is probably worth investing in a solid gold item.
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