Handmade jewellery is made to last a lifetime, but like all precious things, it rewards a little care and attention. Whether you've just received your first piece from Moore Jewellery or you're looking after a collection built over years, this guide will help you keep your sterling silver and gold vermeil looking beautiful.
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a living metal. It reacts to the world around it; to air, moisture, and the natural oils of your skin. This isn't a flaw; it's part of what makes silver so characterful. But it does mean a little regular care goes a long way.
How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home
- Gentle soap and warm water is your best everyday option. Use a soft cloth or a very soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing.
- A silver polishing cloth is ideal for removing light tarnish and restoring shine. Use gentle, straight strokes rather than circular motions.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, chlorine, and abrasive cleaners can damage silver permanently. Remove your jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or using hand sanitiser.
Preventing Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural process, but you can slow it down significantly:
- Store silver in an airtight pouch or box when not wearing it, the pouches included with Moore Jewellery orders are ideal.
- Keep silver away from rubber, which accelerates tarnishing.
- Put your jewellery on after applying perfume, hairspray, or lotions.
- The more you wear your silver, the less it tarnishes, the natural oils from your skin actually help keep it polished.
When Silver Tarnishes
Don't worry, tarnish is completely reversible. A good silver polish cloth will handle most tarnish at home. For heavier tarnish, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water applied gently with a soft cloth, then rinsed thoroughly, can work well. If in doubt, get in touch and I'll advise.
Caring for Gold Vermeil Jewellery
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is sterling silver with a thick layer of real gold plating, at least 2.5 microns, which is significantly more durable than standard gold-plated jewellery. I have my jewellery plated with 5 microns for further durability. With proper care, it can last for many years.
How to Clean Gold Vermeil
- Warm water and a tiny drop of mild soap is all you need. Use a very soft cloth, rinse gently, and pat dry immediately, never rub.
- Avoid polishing cloths designed for silver, these are too abrasive for gold vermeil and can wear away the plating.
- Never use chemical jewellery cleaners on gold vermeil. They will strip the gold layer.
Protecting Your Gold Vermeil
- Remove gold vermeil before swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing housework. Chlorine and salt water are particularly damaging.
- Apply perfume and skincare products before putting on your jewellery, and allow them to dry first.
- Store in a soft pouch, away from other pieces that could scratch the surface.
- Gold vermeil will naturally wear over time with daily use, this is normal and part of its character. Re-plating is possible if needed; contact me for details.
General Jewellery Care Tips
- Last on, first off, put your jewellery on after getting dressed and take it off before bed.
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratching. The individual pouches from Moore Jewellery are perfect for this.
- Check clasps and settings periodically, especially if you wear a piece daily. If anything feels loose, stop wearing it and get in touch.
- Enjoy wearing it. Jewellery is made to be worn. The more you wear it, the more it becomes yours.
Questions?
Every piece from Moore Jewellery is handmade and I stand behind my work. If you have any questions about caring for a specific piece, or if something needs attention, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.