Your jewellery is handmade with care, using carefully selected metals, gemstones and traditional jewellery-making techniques. With a little attention, it can be enjoyed for many years and become a piece that feels uniquely yours.
Caring for Your Jewellery
Jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed, but different metals, gemstones and finishes need a little care to keep them looking their best.
As a general rule, put your jewellery on last and take it off first.
Keep it away from water and chemicals
Remove your jewellery before bathing, swimming, exercising or doing household chores. Perfume, hairspray, lotions, cosmetics, cleaning products and other chemicals can affect metals, gemstones and surface finishes.
Allow perfumes, creams and skincare products to dry before putting your jewellery on.
Store it carefully
When you're not wearing your jewellery, keep it somewhere clean and dry, preferably in its box or pouch. Storing pieces separately helps prevent scratches, tangling and unnecessary wear.
Avoid leaving jewellery in direct sunlight or in damp environments such as bathrooms.
Metals & Natural Changes
The metals I work with can naturally change in appearance over time. This is part of the character of handmade jewellery and, in many cases, is influenced by how and how often a piece is worn.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally develops a patina over time. It may gradually become darker or lose some of its brightness, this is a normal reaction between the silver and its environment, rather than a fault.
If your silver jewellery begins to look dull or develops darker areas, gentle polishing with a suitable silver polishing cloth will usually restore its shine.
Some pieces are intentionally given a darker or oxidised finish. Take particular care when polishing these, as vigorous polishing can remove the darker surface detail.
Copper
Copper naturally changes colour with age and wear. It can develop a deeper, richer patina and may become darker over time.
Some people may also notice a temporary greenish mark on the skin where copper jewellery has been worn. This is a normal reaction between the copper, moisture and individual skin chemistry and is not usually a cause for concern.
Copper can be gently polished if you wish to restore its brighter appearance, although allowing it to develop its natural patina is part of its character.
Gold
Gold is naturally resistant to tarnishing, but it can still become scratched or marked with wear. Softer, higher-karat gold requires particular care.
Clean gold jewellery gently with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners or vigorous polishing.
If a piece contains gold alongside other metals, gemstones or textured finishes, follow the care advice for the more delicate element.
A Note About Finishes
Some of my jewellery is deliberately textured, oxidised or given a naturally aged finish. These surface treatments are part of the design and can subtly change with wear.
Avoid abrasive cloths, harsh jewellery cleaners and vigorous polishing on these pieces, as they can alter or remove the intended finish.
Gemstones
Natural gemstones can vary in colour, pattern and inclusions, making every stone individual. Some gemstones are more delicate than others and can be affected by knocks, sudden temperature changes or exposure to chemicals.
Treat gemstone jewellery gently and avoid using abrasive cleaners or strong jewellery-cleaning solutions unless you know they are suitable for the particular stone.
If you're unsure how to care for a particular piece or gemstone, please get in touch before cleaning it.
Handmade Jewellery
Each piece is made by hand, so small variations in texture, shape, colour and finish are part of its character. These details are not imperfections; they are part of what makes handmade jewellery unique.
Some designs include delicate components, fine chains or textured finishes that need a little more care than mass-produced jewellery.
Please avoid pulling, bending or applying unnecessary pressure to your jewellery.
Your Packaging
Your jewellery will arrive carefully packaged and ready to enjoy or give as a gift.
I use packaging chosen to protect your jewellery during its journey while keeping the presentation simple and thoughtful.
Where possible, I choose recyclable or reusable packaging and avoid unnecessary plastic.
Your jewellery will be securely wrapped and presented in suitable packaging, with care taken to make sure it reaches you safely and beautifully.
If you're sending a piece directly as a gift, please let me know if you'd like a short handwritten message included.
A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way
Your jewellery is made to be worn, not kept hidden away. A little everyday care will help preserve its beauty while allowing it to develop the character that comes with being loved and worn.
Some of the metals I work with are intentionally allowed to develop their own character over time. Copper and silver can naturally darken or develop a patina with wear, meaning your jewellery may subtly change as you wear it.
If you have any questions about caring for a particular piece, gemstone or finish, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
For information about the UK hallmarking of precious-metal jewellery, please visit my Hallmarking page.