Silver

Silver is a natural material and can oxidise over time. This is a natural process in which the metal reacts with substances in the air, forming a thin layer on the surface. As a result, silver may darken slightly and lose some of its shine. This is not damage, but a characteristic of the material.

Oxidation can occur when jewellery is not worn for a while, but also due to influences such as skin acidity, perspiration, perfume and hairspray. This differs from person to person and is completely normal.

At Jéh, we sometimes deliberately oxidise silver. This surface treatment adds depth and contrast to a piece and highlights details. Through wearing and polishing, this layer may gradually soften over time.

By regularly polishing your silver jewellery, you can prevent dullness and tarnish and restore its shine. With a polishing cloth, your jewellery can easily be refreshed.

Touch of Gold

Gold plated silver and Goldfilled jewellery do not oxidise like silver and therefore do not need to be polished with a silver polishing cloth. Clean these pieces with a soft, dry cloth. For light dirt, you can slightly dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and then dry the jewellery thoroughly.

Avoid using cleaning products, silver polish or polishing equipment, as these can damage the gold layer. Polishing is not possible for these materials and is therefore not recommended.

Through wearing and contact with skin and environmental factors, the gold layer may wear over time. With gold plated silver, the 925 sterling silver underneath may become visible. With Goldfilled jewellery, the brass core may eventually appear. Goldfilled has a thicker gold layer than gold plated jewellery and therefore generally stays beautiful for longer.

Wear related changes are a natural result of use and not a sign of inferior quality. Wearing and storing your jewellery with care helps keep it beautiful for as long as possible.

Storage and cleaning

Store your jewellery in an airtight and light resistant jewellery box. This protects it from external influences and helps it stay beautiful for longer. Avoid storing jewellery in the bathroom or other humid areas.

A silver polishing cloth is the best way to clean silver jewellery. Sometimes it takes a bit of effort before you see results. Never wash the polishing cloth in the washing machine, as this will cause it to lose its effectiveness.

If polishing with a cloth is not sufficient, professional polishing is a last but effective solution. With specialised polishing equipment, even stubborn discoloration can be removed. This can be done by us or by most jewellers.

Tips

• Apply perfume, hairspray, body lotion, hand cream or other cosmetics before putting on your jewellery.
• Avoid sleeping with your jewellery on, as this can cause wear and may also be unsafe.
• Try to remove your rings when washing your hands. With wider rings, water can remain underneath, which may cause irritation or eczema on sensitive skin.
• Do not swim or exercise while wearing your jewellery. This also helps prevent loss.
• Remove your jewellery when doing heavy work or cleaning. Avoid contact between silver jewellery and chemical substances.
• Gemstones are natural materials and require careful handling. They are more sensitive to impact, scratches and chemicals. Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, cleaning products and water, especially with porous gemstones.