Care & storage
How your one-of-a-kind piece stays beautiful
Your piece carries a real impression and is meant to stay with you for a long time. A few simple habits keep it the way it left our workshop.
Care by material
Silver
Pendants in fine silver (999) · chains in 925 sterling silver
Good to know
Silver reacts with sulphur from the air, skin and cosmetics and tarnishes over time – faster in winter and on some skin types. A natural process, fixed in a few minutes. Wearing silver regularly keeps it brightest.
How to care for it
Rinse under lukewarm water, dry with a soft cloth and gently polish with the silver polishing cloth.
Please avoid
Chlorinated and thermal water, sulphur springs and silver cleaning products. Avoid damp storage and long direct sunlight.
Solid gold
Solid gold in 8, 14 or 18 karat
Good to know
The higher the gold content, the less sensitive: 14 and 18 karat practically never tarnish. 8 karat contains more copper and silver and may discolour slightly through sweat, cosmetics or sulphurous air – the polishing cloth brings the shine back.
How to care for it
Now and then clean in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, if needed with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. For extra shine, the polishing cloth.
Gold-plated
Silver with an 18-karat gold layer
Good to know
We plate with a high-quality 18-karat layer of 1 µ – considerably thicker than fashion jewellery. With normal wear it can last several years. Gold-plated is the affordable alternative to solid gold, with one drawback: a plating can wear off over time. It can be refreshed through us at any time at low cost. For the highest quality – for ever – we recommend solid gold.
How to care for it
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth – that is all it needs. If necessary, dip briefly in lukewarm water with mild soap and pat dry. Better no polishing cloth or cleaning agents, they would attack the gold layer.
To make it last
Take it off before showering, swimming, sport and sleeping. Apply perfume, cream and hairspray before putting it on. Avoid salt water, chlorine and cleaning agents.
Storage
Good to know
My silver has turned dark – is it broken?
No. Silver reacts with sulphur from the air and skin and tarnishes – at different speeds depending on season, skin type and cosmetics. Lukewarm water, dry, polishing cloth – and it shines again.
How long does the gold plating last?
Our 18-karat plating (1 µ) can last several years with normal wear. If it ever fades, we refresh it at any time at low cost – just write to us. If you want a piece for ever without refreshing, solid gold is the best choice.
Can I keep the jewellery on when washing my hands?
Silver and solid gold: yes. Gold-plated: a quick hand wash is no problem – but better avoid longer contact with soap and water.
Questions about care? Write to us: info@vonerdenjewelry.de
