BLOG 10 - Jewellery Care 101: Understanding The Basics Of Materials & How To Maintain Your Favourite Pieces

Jewellery is an investment that holds both sentimental and aesthetic value. Whether it's a delicate pair of earrings or a statement necklace, each piece tells a story. But to ensure your jewellery keeps shining for years to come, proper care and understanding the materials it’s made from is key. Today, we'll explore into the basics of jewellery care and exploring different metals.

Let’s dive in!

When purchasing jewellery, it’s important to know what materials you’re buying. Not all metals are created equal, and different materials require different types of care to stay looking their best. Below is a guide to some of the most common metals and finishes used in high-quality jewellery. 

Brass - A budget friendly option

Brass is an alloy made primarily from copper and zinc. It’s a popular choice for costume jewellery because it’s relatively affordable and can have a beautiful gold-like appearance. However, brass is more prone to tarnishing over time due to its copper content. That's what gives you green residue on the skin! To maintain brass jewellery, it’s important to keep it dry and clean it regularly to prevent oxidation. 

Care Tip: Store brass pieces in a dry, cool place, and clean them with a soft cloth to avoid tarnishing. For more stubborn tarnish, use a brass polish or vinegar solution. Unfortunately, worn excessively they will tarnish quickly.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a timeless material often used in fine jewellery. It’s made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Sterling silver has a bright, lustrous finish but is more prone to tarnishing when exposed to air, humidity, and body oils. 

Care Tip: To avoid tarnishing, store your sterling silver jewellery in an anti-tarnish pouch or box. Clean it with a silver polishing cloth or a mild soap-and-water solution to restore its shine.

Stainless Steel - Durable & resisistant 

Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing, rust, and corrosion. It is often used in both fashion and fine jewellery because of its strength, affordability, and sleek, modern look. Stainless steel jewellery is easy to maintain and doesn’t require frequent polishing like other metals.

Care Tip: Stainless steel is relatively low-maintenance. Just wipe it down with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove oils, and it will stay shiny and pristine.

At Viktoria Green we use stainless steel as our base material for longevity. For those with sensitive skin, stainless steel is a fantastic choice. It’s hypoallergenic and won’t cause irritation or allergic reactions. This makes it a perfect option for everyday wear, especially for those who are prone to skin sensitivities but still want to enjoy high-quality jewellery. 

Caring for your jewellery properly is essential to preserving its beauty and ensuring that it remains a cherished part of your collection for years. By understanding the differences between brass, stainless steel & sterling silver you’ll be better equipped to protect your pieces. 

Remember, jewellery isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s an investment!

With love,

Dani x 

CURRENT BEST SELLER - The Mila Weave Bangle in Gold is still our most coveted piece, however, the Evelyn Earring in Rose is catching up.

CURRENT OBSESSION - Roasted chestnuts, thank goodness its chestnut season.

FAVOURITE RECIPE AS OF LATE - Roast chicken & potatoes (think a lot of garlic, lemon and chicken spices!)

WHAT'S NEW? - New packaging samples, a deep green moment for our jewellery boxes are coming up!