Care Instructions for your Astounding piece of Jewellery
At Astounding we endeavour to source high quality affordable jewellery pieces for our jewellery store. However, like all good things in life, these pieces will only serve you well, if you treat them well. A few “must do’s” to ensure long lasting pleasure from your Astounding piece of jewellery:
- Remove your jewellery when performing chores to avoid physical damage (such as structural damage and scratches) as well as contact with chemicals that may cause damage;
- Finish off your “look” with your jewellery – that is, after your creams and lotions, hair products, make-up and perfume to limit contact with these products that may cause damage, i.e. jewellery is the last thing to put on and the first thing to take off;
- Do not wear your jewellery in the bath tub, shower, swimming pool, spa or while doing sport to prevent physical damage and contact with damaging chemicals and repeated overexposure to water;
- Clean your jewellery regularly with agents and material appropriate for the materials the jewellery is made of; and
- Store your jewellery appropriate for the materials the jewellery is made of.
Sterling Silver
Silver is a bright, shiny, reflective precious metal used to make jewellery. As silver is quite soft, other metals are added to harden it for jewellery-making. We strive to source mainly 925 sterling silver jewellery at Astounding, which means that 92.5% of your piece would be silver combined with 7.5% other metals. Unfortunately, these other metals are the cause of tarnishing sterling silver jewellery when they are exposed to air and oxidise. Sterling silver jewellery may also scratch due to its softness. However, tarnishing and scratches can be limited by following the “must do’s” above, as well as the cleaning and storage instructions below.
Cleaning:
Generally, your sterling silver piece should be cleaned and polished regularly (once a week) to keep its bright shine. More specifically, the following upkeep should be undertaken:
- Use special silver liquid cleaning agents (except if the piece is rhodium plated) or special silver cleaning cloths, which is chemically treated with agents, to clean your silver jewellery. Make sure to dry the jewellery properly if a wet agent has been used; and
- Polish your jewellery pieces with a special silver polishing cloth. Do not use tissue or paper towel as it may cause scratches.
Storage:
Your sterling silver pieces should also be cared for when you are not wearing it, by storing it appropriately according to the following guidelines:
- Store your jewellery in a container (preferably a fabric lined container);
- Do not store your jewellery pieces on top of each other without protection;
- Store it separately in tarnish preventing material, such as anti-tarnishing paper, cloths, bags or pouches to slow down the tarnishing and protect it from scratching against other jewellery pieces;
- Store it away from humidity and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Store small silica gel bags with your jewellery to absorb any moist and consider storing the pieces in airtight bags; and
- When travelling, use a jewellery travel case of fabric (and leather) to protect your pieces.
Rhodium Plated Pieces
Many of the pieces we sell are rhodium plated, especially many of the sterling silver pieces. This plating increases the long term durability, brightness and luster of the pieces. However, the protective coating of rhodium does wear off over time. The lifespan of the plating depends on many factors, including the thickness of the plating, the wear and tear on the jewellery, individual body chemistry, etc. However, these pieces can be re-plated by a jeweller.
To clean and store your rhodium plated pieces, follow the cleaning and storage instructions for sterling silver pieces above in addition to the “must do’s” above. Remember not to use liquid jewellery dips as it may cause the plating to wear off quicker.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is usually an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium and other metals. It is bright, silver-coloured tarnish-resistant durable material. Most of Astounding’s stainless steel pieces are made from 316L stainless steel. In addition to the “must do’s” above, follow the cleaning and storage instructions below.
Cleaning:
Generally, your stainless steel jewellery requires low maintenance. To clean it, use a soft lint-free cloth to rub it with the polish lines (not against the grain or in circles). If it is still not clean, use warm water with a little bit of mild dishwashing soap to dip a soft, lint-free cloth in. Gently wipe the jewellery clean with the damp cloth. Do not soak your stainless steel piece in water. Rub the item along its polishing lines to clean (not against the grain or in circles). Wipe the clean jewellery with a moist cloth dipped in clean water. Wipe jewellery dry with a soft dry cloth and leave to completely air dry.
There are commercial stainless steel cleaners for jewellery available on the market as well.
Storage:
Your stainless steel pieces should also be cared for when you are not wearing it, by storing it appropriately according to the following guidelines:
- Store your jewellery in a container (preferably a fabric lined container);
- Do not store your jewellery pieces on top of each other (such as two earrings or rings, etc.) without protection in between;
- Store it separately in jewellery cloths, bags or pouches to protect it from scratching against other jewellery pieces;
- Store it away from humidity and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Store small silica gel bags with your jewellery to absorb any moist and consider storing the pieces in airtight bags; and
- When travelling, use a jewellery travel case lined with soft fabric to protect your pieces.
Titanium and Tungsten
Your titanium and tungsten pieces are quite hard-wearing, but may still scratch like any other material. Dirt may dull its appearance (and abrasive substances may wear away surface colouring of titanium). In addition to the “must do’s” above, follow the cleaning and storage instructions below.
Cleaning:
Generally, your titanium and tungsten jewellery require low maintenance. To clean it, use lukewarm water with mild dishwashing soap (or also rubbing alcohol for titanium) and a soft lint-free cloth to wipe your jewellery clean. Rinse it in clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Storage:
Your titanium and tungsten pieces should also be cared for when you are not wearing it, by storing it appropriately according to the following guidelines:
- Store your jewellery in a container (preferably a fabric lined container);
- Do not store your jewellery pieces on top of each other (such as two earrings or rings, etc.) without protection in between;
- Store it separately in jewellery cloths, bags or pouches to protect it from scratching against other jewellery pieces;
- Store it away from humidity and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Store small silica gel bags with your jewellery to absorb any moist and consider storing the pieces in airtight bags; and
- When travelling, use a jewellery travel case lined with soft fabric to protect your pieces.
Pearls
Your pearl pieces are organic gems requiring more care than other gemstones. This specialised care is necessary to ensure longevity of your pearl jewellery. In addition to the “must do’s above, following the cleaning and storage instructions below.
Cleaning:
Generally, the type of pearl and setting dictate the cleaning method. However, the safest way of cleaning your pearl piece is to wipe it with a soft cloth after each use. If it really needs more cleaning, mild soapy water may be used, where after the piece should be rinsed in clean water and completely air-dried before wearing it again.
Storage:
Your pearl piece should also be especially cared for when you are not wearing it due to its soft and delicate surface, by storing it appropriately according to the following guidelines:
- Before storing pearls, wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove chemicals and sweat;
- Store your jewellery in a container (preferably a fabric lined container);
- Do not store your jewellery pieces on top of each other (such as two earrings or rings, etc.) without protection in between;
- Do not allow pearls to rub against each other or other jewellery pieces to prevent damage;
- Do not store pearls in metal containers or plastic bags;
- Store it separately in jewellery cloths, bags or pouches suitable for pearls to protect it from scratching against other jewellery pieces; and
- When travelling, use a jewellery travel case lined with soft fabric to protect your pieces.
Gemstones
For the jewellery pieces with gemstones we recommend the cleaning and storage instructions below, in addition to the “must do’s above.
Cleaning:
Gemstones, like other jewellery may develop build-up and therefore require cleaning from time to time. Generally, the best way of cleaning your gemstones is to wipe them with a soft cloth after each use. If they really need more cleaning, mild soapy water may be used, where after the pieces should be rinsed in clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing or wearing again.
Storage:
Your gemstones should also be cared for when you are not wearing them, by storing them appropriately according to the following guidelines:
- Store your jewellery in a container (preferably a fabric lined container);
- Do not store your jewellery pieces on top of each other (such as two earrings or rings, etc.) without protection in between;
- Store it separately in jewellery cloths, bags or pouches to protect it from scratching against other jewellery pieces;
- Store it away from humidity and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Store small silica gel bags with your jewellery to absorb any moist and consider storing the pieces in airtight bags; and
- When travelling, use a jewellery travel case lined with soft fabric to protect your pieces.