Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a custom jewellery piece?
Yes, absolutely! If I can I will certainly try. I make my jewellery so if you would like a little tweak here or there on one of my designs do get in touch.
What is Sterling Silver?
As a precious metal, pure Silver alone is far too soft to wear as jewellery. Due to its softness, silver is mixed with other alloy metals to give it strength which prevents it from becoming easily scratched or dented. This creates what we know as Sterling Silver.
​What is Silver Plate?
Silver plated items are made from a thin coating of pure silver over a base metal, often brass.
​What is Karen Hill Tribe Silver?
The Karen tribe is the largest of around twenty hill tribes whose total population today numbers more than seven million across The Union of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand.
Karen Hill Tribe silver is traditionally handcrafted using between 99.5% and 99.9% pure silver. Karen silver has a higher silver content than Sterling silver. It may not be as bright as sterling silver, but the quality of the silver holds its shine and lustre longer and is generally more resistant to tarnish.
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What is Antique Silver?
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Antique Silver is oxidized silver or alloy metal, It is the slightly blackened silver that gives the jewellery an old-world charm.
​What is Gold or Rose Gold Plate?
Gold plated items are made from a thin coating of gold over a base metal, often sterling silver, brass or copper.
​What is Sterling Silver Filled, Gold Filled or Rose Gold Filled?
‘Gold filled’ comprises a solid layer of gold (14k) permanently bonded to a base metal, such as brass. The minimum layer of gold must equal at least 1/20th the weight of the total item. It is very hard wearing and under normal wear the gold will not peel or flake, unlike gold plate, and is commonly used as a more economical alternative to pure gold.
The rose colour is obtained by alloying gold with copper.
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You can think of silver-filled in the same way. It is either a 5% or 10% layer of durable sterling silver bonded to (filled with) a copper-alloy or brass-alloy center. Depending on the manufacturer, they may mark it as 95/5, 90/10, .925/10, .925/5, 1/10th or 1/20th. The bonded layer is thick enough to withstand small nicks, and it will not peel or flake. If you are allergic to silver-plate but are able to wear sterling silver, you should also be able to wear silver-filled without causing an allergic reaction. Silver-filled is a great alternative to sterling silver for the budget-conscious buyer, and it is just as pretty and durable.
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What is Rose Gold Vermeil or Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil is sterling silver plated with gold or rose gold.
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What are Preciosa Beads?
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PRECIOSA Rocailles are the most used type of glass seed beads. ... These round-shaped seed beads are manufactured using unique technology for cutting glass tubes with round or square holes into various sized pieces which are then rounded and polished when hot and subsequently classed by size and shape.
Why does jewellery tarnish?
Tarnishing is a natural reaction which does not permanently damage your jewellery. Every piece of jewellery which is exposed to air will eventually tarnish. There is no specific duration over piece will tarnish, it may happen within a few days, or it could be months or years before any discolouration. You can help prevent this by caring and storing your jewellery properly. There are a few key reasons your jewellery may be showing early signs of tarnish, but with proper cleaning and storage, you can keep your jewellery sparkling!
Oxidization is a reaction that will gradually turn shiny silver metal to a light yellow colour. Without maintenance, the yellow discolouration will eventually turn to black. This chemical reaction is caused when the silver naturally reacts to hydrogen sulphide, the chemical which causes the Oxidization and discolouring of your silver. This chemical is found in many everyday items like wool, rubber and oil. It is also commonly found in foods like eggs, onions, fish and shellfish. It’s not harmful to you.
Moisture also causes your silver to slowly tarnish. Excessive contact with moisture will simply speed up the natural tarnishing of your jewellery. Jewellery will slowly react to the moisture on your skin or in the air. This is even more common in hot and humid climates.
Contact with materials such as hairspray, cosmetics, deodorant, perfume, bleach or body lotions can also speed up the process of tarnishing. Make-up on your skin contains chemical compounds which are harder than the silver jewellery itself. These compounds rub off the tiniest particles of metal which come out as jet black dust.
​Caring for your jewellery
Wherever possible, keep jewellery away from moisture by storing your pieces in a cool, dry place. It is recommended to separate your silver jewellery from other metals, because they can also speed up the process of tarnish.
Do not store your jewellery on wood surfaces because natural woods contain acids which might react with your jewellery.
You may love your jewellery but they are not designed to be worn 24-7.
Jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Spray perfume and let it dry before you put your jewels on.
Your jewels should not be worn in water; they are not designed to go in the shower or pool with you.
To clean your jewellery, use a phosphate-free detergent or non-abrasive cloth made for cleaning jewellery - these cloths often come with a built in jewellery cleaner.