Three metals, each with its own colour and character. Here is what they are, how they wear and how to keep them looking their best.
A fine layer of 18 carat gold bonded to a base metal underneath. You get the warm colour of real gold at a gentler price.
[Confirm: the base metal under your plating, e.g. brass or sterling silver, and the plating thickness in microns if you know it.]
Plating wears gradually where a piece rubs, such as the inside of a ring or the back of a cuff. How quickly depends on how often it is worn and what it meets: water, sweat, perfume and lotions all speed it up.
Put it on last, after perfume and creams. Take it off to swim, shower, exercise or sleep. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth and store it on its own in its pouch. Avoid polishing cloths and silver dips, which can strip the plating.
92.5 per cent pure silver mixed with a little copper for strength. That is why it is often stamped 925.
Silver darkens naturally over time as it reacts with air and moisture. This is called tarnish and it is not damage: it polishes away.
Wear it often, as skin contact helps keep tarnish away. Store it in its pouch, ideally in a dry place. A silver polishing cloth brings back the shine.
An alloy of copper and zinc with a warm, golden colour of its own.
Brass deepens with age and can develop a soft, darker patina that many people love. On some skin it can leave a faint green mark; this washes off with soap and water and is harmless.
Keep it dry and store it in its pouch. To brighten it, wipe with a soft cloth. A thin coat of clear nail varnish on the inside of a ring or cuff helps if you get green marks.
| 18ct gold plate | Sterling silver | Brass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Bright, warm gold | Cool, bright white | Soft, golden yellow |
| Over time | Plating slowly wears | Tarnishes, polishes back | Deepens to a patina |
| Water | Take it off | Take it off | Take it off |
| Clean with | Soft dry cloth | Silver polishing cloth | Soft dry cloth |
Put jewellery on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off before bed.
Remove it to swim, shower, bathe or exercise. Salt water and chlorine are hardest on metal.
Keep each piece in its pouch so they cannot scratch or tangle.
A soft dry cloth after wearing is usually all it needs.
[Placeholder] Confirm what your pieces contain, e.g. whether they are nickel free, so people with sensitive skin can choose with confidence.
[Placeholder] One or two sentences on your suppliers and any recycled metals you use.