jewellery care + info:
tarnish + polish
All jewellery tarnishes/oxides overtime regardless of the materials. However, with sterling silver + fine silver, simply by using a jewellery polishing cloth ( which i provide with any order that includes silver ) and following the care instructions, you can easily bring back to original shine. This applies as long as the piece isn't severely damaged and its just natural tarnish that happens with age.
sea glass
Each piece of jewellery that uses seaglass is made with genuine seaglass that has been handpicked by myself along the coastlines in the UK, where they have been tumbled by the ocean over the course of decades. Each piece of seaglass is unique and naturally one of a kind. As it is glass, each piece is somewhat transparent, meaning lighting can effect what colour it appears to be. Product photos are taken in daylight to try give the most accurate representation.
As seaglass has transparency to it, following care instructions is highly recommended because if the silver backplate gets wet / exposed to chemicals it may get tarnished and affect the appearance of the seaglass.
When the glass is picked from the beach, it has a natural frosted look to it once dried, overtime this look may return. If you want your piece to have that somewhat "wet" look again, rubbing a tiny little bit of baby oil or any kind of clear oil that's safe for skin onto the glass itself will bring that look back.
Open back jewellery
The reason i make some items open back is not only because i think it is just as pretty given you dont see the back whilst wearing the piece but also because it means light can peak directly through the jewellery ( if transparent like seaglass ), which can let the true colour shine. This style also uses less product resources ( metals ) as there is no backplate. Which means less material costs for me and more affordable jewellery for you :)
metals
Sterling Silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and the other 7.5% is other metals alloyed, most commonly copper ( never nickel ). Sterling silver is used instead of fine silver as fine silver is too soft to make durable and lost lasting jewellery with. The small amount of copper in the sterling silver makes the metal much stronger to work with yet only has a small chance of turning skin green even without taking proper measures to ensure your jewellery avoids chemicals and remains dry.
One thing to remember is, copper reacts differently to everybody's skin, Meaning, some people may only have to take their jewellery off from time to time, whereas others should remove when exercising, showering + sleeping. Regardless, if your jewellery does come in contact with water / chemicals / sweat, be sure to clean and dry before putting your jewellery back on.
To prevent any unnecessary damage to your piece, i highly recommend taking any jewellery off when doing physical activities + before going to sleep and storing it in a safe place once removed.
ring sizing
I understand the worry in getting the exact ring size for you. To get your ring size i have attached a link with multiple methods to find yours :)
How to Measure Ring Size | 4 Ways to Find Your Ring Size at Home
If you still feel unsure, i often also make adjustable rings.
Gemstones
Some gemstones require a little extra care, for example, amethyst + sapphires can be cleaned with a mild soap and warm water but stones like opals require a more delicate touch. When cleaning your jewellery, avoid harsh chemicals + hot water as these can damage sensitive stones. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge, mild soap, and lukewarm water to gently remove any dirt or grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Make sure to store your jewellery somewhere safe, for example, in a jewellery box or soft pouch.
Hallmarking
In the United Kingdom, anybody who uses precious metals and deals in them must follow the Hallmarking Act 1973. This means any piece made of silver ( or any precious metals ) must have a Hallmark if it meets the requirements. If the piece weights over 7.78 grams in silver alone, it must carry a hallmark. If any piece that I have made meets the requirements, a hallmark will be shown and written in the description. If it is not, it means the piece did not meet those requirements but is still made of the same materials.
Handmade craft
Everything I make has been crafted by my hands, this means each piece is individually made and not manufactured or mass produced. Slight variations in colour, texture or shape are completely normal and is just a part in what makes each piece unique and special.
Materials that I use such as recycled sterling silver, found sea glass, gemstones and even reclaimed pottery all have their own imperfections. I don’t consider these a downside but simply a reflection of a handcrafted process and the character of the materials themselves.
