Jewellery Care Guide

How do I look after my jewellery?

All jewellery needs to be looked after to keep it looking shiny and vibrant.

For sterling silver jewellery, you can remove light tarnish by mixing together a gentle washing up liquid with warm water and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean off any marks. After cleaning, gently rinse your jewellery under lukewarm water and allow to dry thoroughly. For heavy tarnishing, we recommend polishing your jewellery with a silver jewellery cloth or silver polish.

For gold vermeil jewellery, clean with a soft jewellery cloth or use a soft toothbrush with soapy water as above.

For stainless steel jewellery, simply clean with a soft jewellery cloth.

Do not use any chemical cleaners. Do not dip any antiquated jewellery (such as our silver pet prints charms and pendants) into silver dip, as this will remove the effect.

How should I store my jewellery?

To keep your jewellery looking shiny and cared for, we suggest you keep it wrapped in some acid-free tissue when you’re not wearing it. Keep out as much air as you can by storing your jewellery in a jewellery box or soft pouch, which will help to keep your jewellery from tarnishing.

 

Will my jewellery scratch or dent?

All jewellery will show signs of aging if you wear it regularly, but there are some things you can do to help avoid this. Try not to wear your jewellery when exercising or sleeping, and avoid wearing it with other pieces that can rub against or scratch the metal. Take extra care with charm bracelets and keyrings, as these are especially prone to being knocked against hard surfaces.

 

What causes silver to tarnish?

All silver will tarnish naturally, especially in humid environments. Common materials and household ingredients will also speed up the rate of tarnishing, including wool, eggs, onions, mayonnaise, rubber bands, latex gloves and certain paints. Try to keep your jewellery away from these items and keep touching to a minimum if possible (as oils from your skin can also create tarnish).

 

How can I slow down the rate of tarnishing?

Start by keeping your jewellery dry – don’t wear it in the shower, at the gym or while cleaning. Chlorine (bleach or within a pool or spa) is particularly harmful to silver and can cause permanent damage or discolouration, especially at high temperatures. If you do get your jewellery wet, just make sure to dry it off completely as soon as possible. Also, when getting ready for the day, always leave your jewellery last to avoid getting makeup, perfumes, creams or soap directly on the surface.

With a little love and care, your jewellery will continue to be a beautiful dedication to your pet for many years to come. If you have any other questions or concerns about your jewellery, our friendly team is always here to help.

 

CARE GUIDE FOR 3D PORTRAIT AND PAW PENDANTS – 9K YELLOW GOLD & WHITE GOLD:

9ct yellow gold tarnishes because, with a lower gold content of only 37.5%, its 62.5% of other alloy metals (like silver and copper) are susceptible to reacting with chemicals and elements found in the environment and on your skin. These reactions cause oxidation, which creates a dull or discoloured layer on the jewellery. Pure gold, in contrast, is a noble metal that doesn’t tarnish.
 

Why Alloys Tarnish

 Lower Gold Content: Unlike pure gold, which is highly resistant to tarnishing, 9ct gold contains a significant amount of other metals.

Reactive Alloys: The metals mixed into 9ct gold alloys are more prone to corroding and tarnishing.

Oxidation: Exposure to air, moisture, chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and even your skin’s natural oils can cause these alloy metals to oxidize, resulting in a discoloured surface.

 

What to Avoid

 Chemicals: Keep your 9ct gold jewellery away from cleaning products, bleach, hair dye, and other harsh chemicals.

Moisture: Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming in chlorinated pools, or doing anything involving a lot of water or high humidity.

Body Products: Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can accelerate the tarnishing process.

 

How to Prevent and Clean Tarnishing

Regular Cleaning: Gently polish your 9ct gold jewellery with a soft polishing cloth to help restore its shine, or Gold Jewellery Cleaner.

Gentle Care: For a deeper clean, use a mild soap and warm water, use a toothbrush to clean, then dry thoroughly.

 

Please note if taking Paw or Portrait Pendants to Jewellers for cleaning and polishing, please remind jeweller to take caution as excessive polishing can remove the paws details and texture.

 
 

CARE GUIDE FOR 3D PORTRAIT AND PAW PENDANTS -STERLING SILVER:

 Silver tarnishes due to a natural chemical reaction with sulphur-containing compounds in the air and on your skin, forming a dark layer of silver sulphide. This process is accelerated by high humidity, heat, certain chemicals in products like perfumes and cleaners, and factors like pollution or volcanic activity. The dark coating is not rust, but a natural form of corrosion that can be removed with polishing.

 

What Causes Silver Tarnish?

Sulphur Compounds: The primary cause of tarnish is the reaction of silver with sulphur-containing substances in the environment, such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂).

Moisture: Humidity in the air and moisture from sweat can significantly accelerate the chemical reaction.

Chemicals: Many everyday items contain sulphur or react with silver, including: 

Cosmetics: Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and soaps

Household Products: Some natural gas stoves, rubber bands, wool, and cleaning solutions can also contribute.

Foods: Sulphur-rich foods like eggs and onions can cause tarnishing, as sulphur is secreted through the skin.

Environment: Polluted areas, coastal regions, and areas with volcanic activity have higher concentrations of sulphur gases, leading to faster tarnishing.

Skin: The natural pH and oils on human skin can also react with silver, causing it to tarnish.

 

What Is Tarnish?

Tarnish is a dark, discoloured surface layer of silver sulphide that forms on the silver.

It is a natural chemical process and not a sign of poor-quality silver.

It is different from rust, which is what happens when iron reacts with oxygen.

 

How to Prevent Tarnish

Store Properly: Keep silver in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Separate Items: Store silver separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching and premature tarnishing.

Avoid Exposure: Remove silver jewellery before swimming, exercising, or handling salty foods.

Clean Regularly: Gently buffing or polishing your silver can remove the tarnish and help delay further reactions.

 

How To Clean With Gentle Soap and Water. 

This method is best for light cleaning and regular maintenance.

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Submerge your jewellery in the solution and use a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush to gently scrub away dirt and tarnish
3. Rinse the jewellery under cool running water
4. Pat the jewellery dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
5. For added shine, buff with a silver polishing cloth.
 
Please note if taking Paw or Portrait Pendants to Jewellers for cleaning and polishing, please remind jeweller to take caution as excessive polishing can remove the paws details and texture.