Jewellery Care Guide
Tips & Tricks to care for your Jewellery.
At Olive Yu, we take pride in the hand made craftsmanship of our Unqiue jewelry pieces. We create each piece using nickel-free 925 sterling silver, along with lustrous yellow, rose and white gold. Our commitment to quality ensures that every item is carefully handcrafted to stand the test of time. While our jewelry is designed to last, it does require proper care to maintain its longevity.
To preserve the integrity of your jewelry, it's advisable to prevent items from rubbing against each other and to store each piece separately in the Olive Yu pouch or box provided when not in use. This practice not only preserves the finish of your jewelry but also minimizes the need for frequent cleaning. Our jewelry incorporates natural gemstones, which, although stunning, can be fragile. Dropping a piece or subjecting it to excessive weight can result in gemstone breakage or loose settings.
To safeguard your jewelry collection and its components, we recommend storing them in pouches and boxes within a safe, cool, and dry environment, away from direct sunlight. This protective approach not only shields your metal and gemstones but also helps to slow down the natural oxidization process. Your dedication to proper storage and care will ensure that your Olive Yu jewelry continues to shine and captivate for years to come.
What is Oxidisation?
Oxidation is a natural occurrence that affects all noble metals. The extent and pace of tarnishing can be influenced by various factors, such as storage practices and the climate of your surroundings.
At Olive Yu, we prioritize the use of nickel-free Sterling Silver in crafting all our silver jewelry and components. Sterling Silver is a masterful blend, comprising no less than 92.5% pure silver and the remaining 7.5% a fusion of Zinc and Copper. This alloyed composition elevates Sterling Silver's durability, rendering it better suited for jewelry creation, particularly for pieces designed for everyday wear.
Oxidation, a natural process, can occasionally darken the appearance of silver. This is attributed to the interaction between hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), an airborne element, and your silver jewelry. The oxidation process of silver is influenced by various individual factors and can lead to varying speeds of tarnishing.
Environmental factors such as light intensity and humidity levels, which are more pronounced in tropical climates may increase the spead of oxidisation as well as your unique chemical composition, perspiration levels andlifestyle choices. For instance, individuals living in tropical and humid climates or those who lead beach-centric lifestyles may experience faster oxidation due to these environmental conditions. Similarly, those who regularly engage in activities such as gym workouts without removing their jewelry might also observe accelerated tarnishing.
Certain products like cosmetics, sunscreen, body lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and hair sprays can also expedite the oxidation process when they come into contact with your silver jewelry.
It's essential to understand that oxidation is not an indication that your product is not genuinely composed of silver. In fact, all noble metals undergo unique forms of oxidation. By taking these factors into consideration and following our care instructions, you can ensure your nickel-free Sterling Silver jewelry remains as radiant as ever.
Jewellery Care for Silver
Here are some tips to maintain and care for your jewelry:
- Cleaning: Gently clean your silver jewelry using a bowl of mild soap and warm water. For tougher dirt, consider using a silver dip. You can also use cleaning alcohol, but avoid using bleach.
- Storage: Store your silver jewelry in a cool, dry, and dark place to help slow down the oxidation process. Where possible keep your jewelry pieces separate from each other to prevent them from knocking together and causing scratches.
- Polishing: Only use a polishing cloth to clean your silver jewelry. Other types of cloths can cause scratches.
- Chemicals: Avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry in chlorinated water or when working with chemicals.
- Cosmetics and Perfume: Prevent contact with cosmetics, perfume, and lotions to maintain the appearance of your jewelry.
- Inspect your gemstones: Regularly check your jewelry's stones to ensure they are secure and haven't come loose.
By following these care instructions, you can help prolong the life and appearance of your silver jewelry.
Gold Care
Gold has maintained its popularity across cultures and eras for thousands of years. Its versatility is attributed to its resistance to corrosion, tarnish, rust, and oxidation. Moreover, its high malleability makes it perfect for intricate designs.
Due to its intense yellow hue and softness, gold is often alloyed to enhance both its strength and reduce color intensity. The Carat/Karat (ct, k) measuring system is utilized for this purpose.
Gold experiences minimal tarnishing, making it an excellent choice for jewelry production. Cleaning is straightforward and involves gently rubbing with a polishing cloth to restore its shine. For a more thorough cleaning, you can opt to have it cleaned using an ultrasonic method at a local jeweler or in our studio.
In comparison to other metals gold is a relatively soft metal. Thus, it's important to take proper care to prevent dents or distortion.
Tips to care for Gold Jewellery
Here are some tips for caring for your gold jewelry:
• Cleaning: Gently clean your jewelry using a bowl of mild soap and warm water. For more stubborn dirt, you can have the item professionally cleaned at your local jeweler or at our studio. Request the use of an ultrasonic cleaner for maximum effectiveness. You can also use cleaning alcohol, but avoid using bleach as it can damage the metal.
• Storage: When not in use, store your gold jewelry in a cool, dry, and dark place. This can help prolong the tarnishing process. Store your pieces separately to prevent them from knocking together and scratching.
• Polishing: When cleaning gold, only use a polishing cloth. Using other types of cloths can cause scratching.
• Chemical: Avoid wearing gold jewelry in chlorinated water or when working with chemicals.
• Cosmetics and Perfume: Minimize contact with cosmetics, perfume, sunscreen, and lotions. While gold tarnishes less quickly than other metals, reducing contact with chemicals will help keep the item looking shiny.
• Inspect your Gemstones: Regularly inspect your jewelry for any damage and make sure that the stones are secure. Periodic checks at a jeweler can help prevent settings from becoming loose over time.
By following these care instructions, you can help maintain the beauty and quality of your gold jewelry for years to come.
How to care for my Gemstones?
As a result of regular use, gemstone jewelry may experience the issue of loose gemstones over time. Therefore, it is crucial for the wearer to be aware of proper care methods. While certain jewelry pieces are designed to be more durable, others require specific attention to ensure they retain their original appearance. However, accidents and mishaps can occur, underscoring the importance of taking good care of your gemstone jewelry to prolong their lifespan.
Loose Gemstones & Damaged Prongs
One common problem that often requires fixing in gemstone jewelry is a loose gemstone. Whether it's a diamond or another type of gemstone, loose stones are typically caused by the prongs becoming loose. Initially, this may not seem like a major issue compared to other potential ring problems. However, if left unattended, the prongs can become so loose that there is a risk of the gemstone falling out. Since replacing the gemstone is usually the most expensive part of ring repair, it is important for the wearer to take immediate action if they notice the prongs are becoming loose and the stone is moving more than usual. It is crucial for wearers to be vigilant in identifying this problem, as it often goes unnoticed until it is too late and the diamond is lost. It is also advisable to check after cleaning as dirt can build up in the setting which can often tighten the gemstone in place. Once the dirt is cleaned, the removal of the build up can make the gemstone setting loosen. We recommend checking your jewelry regularly so you can address any loose stones before they become a problem
Damaged or lost gemstones
Regrettably, there are limited options available for repairing or replacing a lost or damaged gemstone. As a result, the primary focus of gemstone jewelry care should be on prevention. It is crucial to regularly inspect the strength of the prongs and settings to avoid any potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait to fix the loose gemstones?
No, it is best to address any loose gemstones in your jewelry immediately. The gemstone is typically the most expensive component of the ring, and replacing it would result in a significant expense.
What is a ring prong?
Prongs are small pieces of metal that encircle the stone, discreetly holding it in place. They are the most common type of mount used for gemstone rings, allowing for the diamond to be showcased while providing security.
How can I check the strength of my ring's prongs?
You can have a professional examine your ring's prongs using a 10x loupe or a folding magnifying glass to identify any unwanted gaps or spaces.
How can I check for loose gemstones at home?
If you don't have a loupe, you can tap on the gemstone with your fingernails. If the diamond visibly moves or produces an unusual rattling sound, it is likely loose. Additionally, you can gently twist and turn the stone with your fingers to check for any loose prongs.