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What Is Semi-Fine Jewellery 
& How To Care For It

Just a little bit about our Jewellery Findings, where we source them and how to keep them clean

Semi-fine jewellery is a beautiful, quality middle-ground between expensive fine jewellery and costume pieces.
It's created using durable metals like Sterling Silver and/or

Gold Vermeil/Gold Filled findings & beads and genuine semi-precious stones

(like opal, morganite, aquamarine) or lab-grown gems/cultured pearls.
This offers a luxurious look at a more accessible price point!

Gold & Rose Gold Filled Jewellery

WHAT IS FILLED?

  • Filled jewellery is usually made from a base material such as brass or copper with a thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to it.

  • Filled jewellery is still high quality but a cheaper alternative to pure gold.

 

 

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Sterling Silver Jewellery

WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?

  • Described as 925 Sterling Silver, it is a common alloy mix 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.

  • All our Sterling Silver pieces are Hallmarked.
    If it doesn't have the 925 stamp, it doesn't mean its fake, but do be careful in these instances.

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Gold & Rose Gold Vermeil Jewellery

WHAT IS VERMEIL?

  • Gold vermeil is an affordable alternative to solid gold jewellery.

  • Basically Gold Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is Gold electroplated or gilded onto Sterling Silver!

  • 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.

  • The benefits of gold vermeil include its longevity, low price and high quality.

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Whilst most of us are guilty of constantly wearing our jewellery - to the gym, in the shower, whilst cleaning the house etc, what we don't realise is that sweat, perfumes and shower gels cause our jewellery items to tarnish and discolour. 

Below are a few points to help you keep your item tarnish free and shinier for longer!

Daily maintenance
Remove all jewellery when showering, swimming, sleeping or exercising to prevent tarnishing and damage from moisture & (in the case of sterling silver) to prevent oxidation and to prevent knocks & scratching.

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PREVENTATIVE CARE

Apply lotions, perfumes and hairspray (and ensure dry) before putting on jewellery to avoid chemical damage.
 

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AVOID

Keep away from harsh chemicals, "dip" cleaners and high-humidity environments like bathrooms. If your jewellery item does come into contact with anything damaging, rinse with water immediately. 

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CLEANING

Gently wipe pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth or microfibre cloth after wear. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with mild, pH-neutral dish soap, brushing gently with a soft toothbrush if needed. Alternatively, there are a number of Silver polishes available to buy, that will keep your jewellery piece shiny!
 

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STORAGE

Store items individually in airtight, fabric-lined pouches or boxes to prevent scratches, tangles and tarnish. Keep away from sunlight, excessive heat or damp conditions. 
 

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GENERAL CARE

  • All items, especially if valuable, should be properly insured and kept in a safe place within the home. 

  • If your jewellery item is damaged, seek a professional to repair the piece and watch out for "cowboys" who won't use the proper materials. Eg. those who use a cheap alternative as opposed to real 925 silver!

  • Keep an eye on pieces that are aging - eg. those that have loose claws & stones or ring bands that are wearing thin. 

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