Caring for Cremation Jewellery

Caring for Cremation Jewellery

Gold and Silver Cremation Jewellery

It happens to all jewellery and no one likes to talk about it.  Yes, tarnish.  Tarnish effects precious metals such as sterling silver and gold.  Over time, all sterling silver and real gold will tarnish, regardless of where it came from.  This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your jewellery, its just a natural process!  If your jewellery starts to look tarnished over time, you know its real!

Tarnish, or a dull/dark discoloration, is a naturally occurring chemical reaction on the surface of some precious metals that is caused by exposure to oxygen and hydrogen sulphide.  Naturally all jewellery comes in contact with air and is therefore exposed to oxygen. And hydrogen sulphide is found in board which is used in the boxes and paper your jewellery is shipped in.

In warmer months humidity will make silver tarnish even faster.  There is nothing that will completely prevent tarnishing, you can prolong the brightness if you store your jewellery in a bag.

The great news is that tarnish is easily removed!  Use a polishing cloth to remove minor discolorations. For older or more heavily coloured pieces you can use a Silver Cream to get tarnish out.  Rub the piece of jewellery gently.  Be aware that our chains are strong, but if you really tug on them it is still possible to stretch out the links.  Also be very careful around any gems that are wire wrapped.

We like this Town Talk silver cleaner from John Lewis.

Here are some tips to help keep your cremation jewellery looking bright for longer:

• Avoid wearing jewellery in the shower, swimming pool or hot tub.
• Store your jewellery in its original box or similar for safe keeping.
• Avoid contact with hairspray, perfume, body lotion, etc.
• Remove your jewellery when using household cleaners, especially bleach.
• After taking off jewellery, clean it with our polishing cloth before putting it away.

A general rule of thumb: jewellery should be the last thing put on before leaving home, and the first thing removed when returning.

Vermeil Gold Jewellery

Gold vermeil is an overlay of gold over a base of sterling silver. Gold vermeil jewellery requires special care.

Remember to store your gold vermeil jewellery in an airtight container when not in use—and to remove before applying perfumes, lotions, or before bathing.

Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolour your gold vermeil jewellery. Avoid wearing gold vermeil jewellery while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.

To clean gold vermeil jewellery, buff VERY gently with a soft and dry 100% cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth. NEVER use chemical cleaners on 22k gold vermeil jewellery–it can strip the gold finish.

It is natural for gold vermeil jewellery to tarnish with time—it adds character to the item makes it as individual as you are.