PRODUCT CARE

Product Care and Information

Metal Facts:

Precious metals are considered sterling silver, fine silver 10k-24k gold, platinum and palladium.

Pure gold and pure silver is very malleable and does not tarnish. Tarnishing is losing luster due to exposure of moisture or air. To harden metal to be worn into jewelry, other types of metals such as copper are added, which can make the jewelry tarnish. Combinations of these metals are called alloys. Alloys vary in the percentage of gold and silver purity. Sheilah Christi Studio dedicates itself to having relationships with metal suppliers and casters who value conflict-free and sustainability in their work ethics.

Fabricated jewelry is primarily made by a jewelers hand, one at a time. Each piece is made from raw materials such as metal sheets, metal tubing and or wire. These materials are then worked out to be cut, hammered, folded, rolled, and soldered.

All of our sterling silver pieces are plated either by vermeil, rhodium or ruthenium.

Ruthenium and rhodium plating come from the platinum family. They are both highly scratch resistant and gives longer lasting wearability to your pieces. Rhodium can be white to plate for added brightness in white gold or silver. It can also be a gunmetal grey. Ruthenium can be as dark as pure black.

Vermeil plating, under the Federal Trade Commission, requires the metal to be precious and be heavily plated with at least 2.5 microns of gold ( for comparison, it takes 1000 microns to make 1 millimeter thickness of gold). Our colors can come in yellow or rose.

Proper care will help preserve the beauty and longevity of your silver, gold, and gold-plated jewelry with gemstones.

Storage

Store clean, dry jewelry in a dry, airtight container to help prevent tarnishing. A jewelry box alone will not prevent sterling silver from tarnishing.
If possible, place an anti-tarnish strip inside the container when storing sterling silver.
Keep each piece separate using soft pouches or compartments to prevent scratches and tangling.

Avoid storing jewelry in humid environments, such as the bathroom, or in direct sunlight.

Cleaning

Sterling Silver: After wearing, wipe with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth before storing. Use a silver polishing cloth or silver cleaner only when needed to remove tarnish.
Gold: Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Gold-Plated Jewelry: Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild dish soap if needed. Do not use a polishing cloth, as it may contain chemicals that can damage the plated finish.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or vigorous scrubbing on any jewelry.

Gemstone Care

Delicate gemstones such as pearls, opals, moonstones, sunstones, labradorite, coral, and turquoise require extra care.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on soft gemstones such as pearls or opals.
For jewelry containing gemstones or pearls, do not submerge the entire piece in water. Instead, use a cotton swab or soft cloth with mild dish soap to clean the metal, taking care around the stones.
Be gentle with gemstone settings, as they are often more delicate than the metal itself.
Protect gemstones from harsh chemicals, extreme heat, and sudden temperature changes, which may cause damage or discoloration.

Avoid Exposure

Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, cleaning, or using household chemicals.
Chlorine, salt water, and cleaning products can damage metals and gemstones. Chlorine, in particular, can weaken gold alloys over time.
Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and other beauty products before putting on your jewelry, and allow them to dry completely.

Maintenance

Regularly inspect your jewelry for loose stones, worn prongs, and secure clasps.
Gold-plated jewelry will naturally wear over time and may require replating to restore its finish.
Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected periodically to keep it in its best condition.

Travel

Store jewelry in a dedicated travel case or individual pouches to protect pieces from scratching and damage while traveling.
With proper care and regular maintenance, your jewelry will remain beautiful for years to come. If you have questions about caring for a specific piece, we recommend consulting a professional jeweler.