Jewellery Care
Here at A Perdifiato, we source quality metals and use high-quality plating. With that being said, jewellery (including plated, 925 Sterling Silver and expensive jewellery brands) can experience normal wear and tear like this over time. To extend the life of your jewellery, please give them occasional breaks and to keep them away from any creams and moisture in general.
How should I take care of my jewellery?
Always store your jewellery pieces individually, where possible in a soft-lined box or pouch so that they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle. Particular care should be taken with gemstones to ensure that they do not knock against one another when they are stored (or worn). Also remember to keep your chains fastened so they don’t become tangled.
Take care to avoid extreme humidity or heat as this may cause tarnishing. Your gold vermeil and silver jewellery should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. With time and wear, sterling silver will naturally become oxidised and eventually tarnish. Storing silver jewellery in a sealed plastic bag or airtight box when it is not being worn will keep out the air that causes oxidation. The oxidation process is also slowed down by wearing your jewellery often. If, however, your jewellery is stored for long-periods of time, occasional cleaning is recommended to maintain shine and keep oxidation at bay.
Your jewellery is particularly susceptible to damage from the effects of chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, make-up, nail polish remover, body oils, sun tan lotion and deodorant.
Do not keep jewellery in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause many gemstones to fade and lose their colour. Amethyst, rose quartz, chalcedony and smokey quartz are just some of the gemstones that can become paler from exposure to sunlight.
How should I clean my jewellery?
Clean your jewellery carefully with a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois; this helps maintain or bring back its shine. If necessary, you can use a mild washing up liquid with warm water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid using ‘dip’ polish or abrasive jewellery cleaners as these contain harsh chemicals and can destroy your jewellery over time. We do not recommend the use of any jewellery polishing cloths which have been treated with cleaners or polishing agents.
What can erode or dull my jewellery?
Do not swim or shower while wearing gold-plated or silver jewellery, and remove rings when washing your hands. Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling or eroding them. Gold and silver are particularly susceptible to damage from chlorine, which can permanently damage or discolour them. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.
Some stones can also be quite porous (such as turquoise and lapis lazuli), which is why you shouldn’t leave these kinds of stones immersed in water for too long. Liquids and oils can seep into the gems through the tiny cracks between the crystals, causing permanent discolouration and damage. In addition, porous gems should not be worn to a beach or other hot, extreme environments.
Tricks of the trade for metal allergies
We’ve all experienced it at one point. We spend a whole day wearing our favourite jewellery, running errands and feeling fabulous. We return home, release ourselves from our jewels and the weight of a long day, only to discover a peculiar and unwelcome sight: Green Finger.
What is this phenomenon and why does it happen when wearing certain types of jewellery? Contrary to popular belief, the ring of skin that turns green underneath a piece of jewellery doesn’t occur due to the poor quality of the ring, nor is it harmful. It is a perfectly normal, yet rare, response to certain materials within the jewellery, and can appear when wearing fine expensive jewellery just as much as with more affordable options.
If you are allergic or sensitive to metals or have had green tainting before then you are likely to experience the same reaction.
We take no responsibility or liability for any reactions that may take place; It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all precautions are taken as we are unable to know each individual's allergies and sensitivities.
What can do I to prevent this?
If you are one of the few people who experience staining when you wear jewellery, there are some steps you can take to prevent such occurrences and better enjoy your accessories.
- Keep the area dry
Take off your rings before you wash your hands, shower, or go swimming. Damp skin can often expedite the process of oxidation and cause a more noticeable green stain on your skin. If you are going swimming, it is especially important to remove your jewellery, as the chlorine will leave a green stain and also damage your jewellery!
- Pay attention with lotions
Chemicals found in lotions can also react to the materials in your jewellery, therefore causing a darker stain on your skin. Make sure the lotion has absorbed into your skin completely before putting on your rings.
- Ask about what materials are in your jewellery
Whilst green staining can happen from many different types of jewellery—both high and low quality, it is true that lower quality jewellery is more likely to cause a stain. Always be aware of what materials are present in your rings. Stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, platinum, rhodium-plated and gold-plated materials are all made from safe materials that are good for sensitive skin, and yet can still cause some staining. Try to avoid nickel, as it is the cheapest and lowest quality material that can be found in jewellery, and is known to cause irritation and infection.
- Apply a barrier
One of the best and most effective ways to avoid the Green Finger is to apply a polymer barrier to the inner band of your rings. This effectively creates a barrier between the jewellery and your skin, which prevents oxidisation and staining.
If in dire immediate need, another alternative to a polymer barrier is clear nail polish. Just as with a polymer barrier, you can apply a layer of nail varnish to the inside of your rings in order to form some protection between the metals and your skin. This method is less effective, however, and can also change the appearance of your jewellery.