Looking after your Jewellery
Tips on looking after your pieces:
All Fran Blake Jewellery pieces are made from solid sterling silver or gold. As such the colour of these pieces should not wear off as can happen with plated jewellery.
Tarnishing is a process caused by the reaction between the metal in your jewellery and moisture, air or chemicals in the environment. This causes the metal to become dull and gradually darken over time. All jewellery that is not 100% gold (24K) or silver (fine silver) is susceptible to this; jewellery is often made from alloys such as sterling silver, 9K and 18K gold as these are more durable and less prone to damage.
Tarnish can be removed by gently cleaning with polishing cloths (such as the polishing cloth provided by us with your order), but be sure to avoid polishing over gemstones. If there is a lot of tarnish you can use silver or gold cleaning solutions but take care to use sparingly as they contain harsh chemicals - it is best to avoid these completely with any gemstone set jewellery.
You can limit tarnishing by:
Avoiding contact with chlorinated water.
Storing your jewellery in a clean, dry place with a soft lining to minimise scratches and exposure to the elements.
Avoiding harsh chemicals. If you need to clean your pieces it’s best to stick to mild soap and water.
Avoiding contact with: makeup, hairspray, lotions, perfume and suncream.
Even the pH of sweat can cause tarnishing so for ultimate care its best to take jewellery off when sleeping, exercising and showering; this also reduces the risk of accidental damage.
Cherish your pieces and consider Jewellery as the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off!
Some finishes such as oxidised black patinas and satin finishes are surface treatments and will wear off with time: the speed of this depends on the level of wear, for example earrings will maintain their finish much longer than a ring. It is possible to renew these finishes; if you would like to know more then contact me directly.