STERLING SILVER
FACT: Silver is the most reflective of all metals.
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals, this toughens the silver making it possible to create jewellery that will stand the test of time.
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes with the exposure to air so store your silver in your fabric pouch and clean regularly in warm soapy water with a soft toothbrush, dry thoroughly and gently buff with a cotton polishing cloth (Talk town polishing clothes are great!)
For a deep clean and to remove tarnish -dip jewellery for 30 seconds in Goddards silver dip then rinse in warm water. Make sure silver dip is within date and not to leave jewellery for longer than 30 seconds. jewellery can become very brittle.
Take off your jewellery when swimming and showering
Slip on some rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach
GOLD/ROSE VERMEIL
Gold vermeil is a thick coating of 18ct gold over sterling silver. Although gold vermeil will not tarnish like silver, it may become dirty and fade slightly with wear. However, you won't believe how long your gold will last if you follow our simple golden rules.
Store your jewellery in your fabric pouch when its not being worn.
Remove your gold vermeil jewellery when showering, exercising and swimming (scratches and scuffs can scratch away the gold)
Do not wear your jewellery overnight
Potions and lotions will corrode the gold coating, so always put Jewellery on after applying perfume
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning as bleach and harsh chemicals can thin the gold overlay
SOLID GOLD
FACT: Gold is the rarest metal in the world! Scientists believe gold can be found on Mars, Mercury and Venus. (We love this fact!)
The higher the carat weight, the higher the gold content. At Crux we work in 9ct & 18ct Gold
Solid gold is much lower maintenance than sterling silver or gold vermeil. However, try to avoid swimming and always slip on some rubber gloves when cleaning
Invest in a good gold dip, especially if your jewellery has stones - tiny specks of dirt can build up behind the stones to form a cement over time and push against the stones causing them to look darker and put tension on the setting.
Enjoy your little investment!
GEMSTONES & DIAMONDS
It's important to clean your jewellery regularly to ensure your stones are looking their best and the setting/s don't come under unnecessary strain from a buildup of daily dirt and grease.
An Emerald is treated very differently to a diamond so please do get in touch for the right advice on how to clean your gemstone jewellery safely. info@cruxlondon.com
