Jewellery Care

What Is Sterling Silver?

All jewellery sold by Adalise is produced using 925 Sterling silver, is tested and hallmarked by the London Assay Office where applicable and therefore complies with all UK Assay legislation for British sterling silver.
Sterling silver is often characterized as pure silver, when in fact it is a silver alloy. Pure silver, also called fine silver, is defined as 99.9% pure but is generally too soft for most uses. Therefore, sterling silver contains 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper. The addition of the base metal gives it strength whilst preserving the malleability and beauty of the precious metal.
In the U.K. there are strict hallmarking laws and all jewellery items over 7.78gms in weight must be hallmarked at one of the four Assay Offices in the U.K.
 

General Recommendations

Sterling silver contains copper, which adds hardness to silver. However, it also creates a tendency for silver jewellery to tarnish. Tarnish is a darkening that occurs when sterling silver reacts with the environment and every day substances. To keep sterling silver in pristine condition and to ensure longevity, think of caring for your sterling silver as preventative maintenance.

Avoid exposing your jewellery to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, household cleaners, cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume. 

It is advisable to remove your rings when washing-up or showering as soap can lodge in crevices dulling both the silver and any stones it may contain. Again remove your rings, bracelets etc. if you wear rubber or latex gloves as these can discolour the silver. 

To maintain the condition of your jewellery, it should also be removed when cleaning, gardening, playing sports, going to the beach (where the sand acts as an abrasive), or performing any other task which might give rise to dents, scratches or abrasions.

Oils in the skin can sometimes cause a reaction with metals as will perspiration, lotions, potions, shampoo's, soaps and any medication you may be taking.

Adalise does not therefore accept any liability for allergic reactions known or unknown to any of its products.

 

Cleaning

It is recommended that a special silver polishing cloth is used which both removes tarnish and coats the silver with an anti-tarnishing agent. A single cloth will last for a long time, still working even when it appears grubby from prior usage. For sterling silver jewellery that you wear often, cleaning will not be required as frequently as the natural oils on your body provide a protective coating to keep it from tarnishing as quickly and also over time cause a natural patina which is unique to the wearer.

Adalise does not advise the use of liquid silver dip.

 

Storage

We recommend you protect your silver jewellery by keeping it in the Adalise box you received with your jewellery and storing it in a cool, dry place, keeping individual pieces separate to avoid scratching.