Jewellery care

Rosie Priestley jewellery is hand crafted from sterling silver and gold vermeil and should last for years. However, it is important to remember that jewellery is delicate and does need to be looked after carefully to keep it looking its best.

Sterling silver jewellery

I mainly use 925 sterling silver which is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This combination adds strength and durability. Over time, sterling silver will naturally become oxidized and tarnished. Ironically, the more it is worn, the less it will tarnish so wear your silver jewellery with wild abandon!

Gold vermeil jewellery

Gold vermeil is gold plated sterling silver. What sets it apart from standard gold plating is that it is five times thicker and with the right care, can last for many years. However, if an item is worn continuously, especially if there is high contact as with a ring, the gold may eventually begin to wear away.

Care and storage

Caring for your sterling silver jewellery in the right way will help prevent the natural tarnishing process:

• Store your jewellery away from light, extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Keep items separate if possible to avoid tangling and scratching.
• Remember to remove your jewellery when swimming, bathing, engaging in heavy exercise or when using harsh cleaning products, eg bleach.
• When applying creams and perfumes let them dry before putting your jewellery on.
• Wear your silver jewellery regularly – the oils in your skin help to keep it clean

Cleaning sterling silver

• Clean carefully with a soft polishing cloth by rubbing gently in one direction.
• You can also try a gentle soap and warm water.
• Never use tissue or kitchen roll or abrasive cleaning products as this could scratch the surface.
• If your silver jewellery has a matt finish, only rub very lightly with a soft cloth as it will buff the surface to a shinier finish.

Cleaning gold vermeil

• Clean your gold vermeil jewellery with gentle soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth and gently rub in one direction.
• Don’t use a silver polishing cloth, tissue, kitchen roll or abrasive cleaning products as this could create scratches and wear away the gold.

Warranty

I design and make my jewellery so it lasts but in the unlikely event it doesn’t, I offer a six month warranty. This does not include fair wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse or lost stones. For the warranty to be valid, proof of purchase is required.