Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver is too soft to produce jewellery, so it is alloyed with copper to make it strong.

Sterling silver is a great option for sensitive skin and with proper care it will last a lifetime. When exposed to air sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time and will require cleaning to restore shine.

These refer to different treatments the sterling silver has undergone. 

Oxidised silver has been aged with a chemical; usually with liver of sulphur.  The treatment is used to darken the silver and highlight fine details.

E-coating or electro-coating is a treatment that that uses an electrical current to apply an ultrafine, protective layer. This coat increase shine and prevents tarnish.

Rhodium is a highly reflective, silver-white metal related to platinum. Rhodium plating gives silver a deeper colour and will also prevent tarnish.

The copper and other metals that make up 7.5% of sterling silver, react to moisture and sulphur in the air, resulting in tarnish.

Other factors can speed up the tarnishing process, including:

- High humidity and air pollution 
- Your skins ph balance, which can alter due to stress, diet, and/or medications 
- Contact with perfumes, soaps, and lotions as well as cleaning products, bleaches and chlorine

- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, soaps and or lotions
- Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or exercising
- Store jewellery in an airtight environment when not regularly worn.

Gold plating is a very fine layer of gold over a base metal. Gold plating is measured in microns. 1 micron equals 0.001 millimeters. To be considered gold plate, the layer of gold must measure between 0.5 -2.5 microns.

Our range of gold plated jewellery is plated with 1 micron of 14k gold over a sterling silver base.

Gold plating makes for an affordable way to experience a luxury metal, but because the layer of gold is so fine, it won't last forever.

When worn frequently, you can expect your gold plated jewellery to last around 2 years with proper care. If your gold plated jewellery is worn infrequently and stored correctly it will last much longer.

For the most part, yes. We always specify the nature of each gemstone in the individual product descriptions. 

When it comes to natural gemstones, individual characteristics such as colour, size, and inclusion will vary from piece to piece. These variations are what make each piece beautiful and unique.

Light conditions will also affect the appearance of a gemstone. You'll find a gemstone that appears dull indoors, often comes to life under natural sunlight.

Like sterling silver, natural gemstones require care to ensure longevity. We recommend you: 

- Store gemstones away from heat and direct sunlight
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, soaps and or lotions
- Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or exercising
- Store gemstones separately to avoid scratching