JEWELLERY CARE
BRIGHT SILVER
Over time, bright or polished sterling silver can develop a natural patina—a dark and dappled glow that manifests on the surface. If you desire, you can restore shine to the surface of your jewellery by buffing gently with the polishing cloth included in your order; or embrace the new unique characteristics your jewellery takes on as it ages. To prevent patina from forming on your bright or polished silver, do not leave your pieces exposed to the open air for long periods of time unworn.
BLACKENED SILVER
Blackening, known as oxidisation, is a specialty surface treatment that does not penetrate the metal itself. With regular wear, blackened finishes will burnish and fade—but can always be reapplied. This is not a flaw but a natural response to being loved. As such, these pieces should not be buffed vigorously with your polishing cloth as this will simulate and speed up the natural burnishing of the treatment.
Do not clean your silver jewellery with store-bought silver cleaning products as they will strip the blackened finish.
GOLD
Solid gold jewellery is highly resistant to patina unless it is stored improperly for an extended period of time. You can remove patina from gold the same way you can with Bright Silver.
Sometimes with normal daily wear, gold jewellery can become grimy and dull. To clarify and restore the shine to your gold jewellery at home, squeeze a thumbnail-size spot of dishwashing liquid into a bowl of boiling water with three capfuls of cloudy ammonia. Pop your jewellery into the bath and let soak for 10 minutes. Follow the soak by gently buffing your jewellery with a baby's ultra-soft toothbrush. Rinse under clean water and pat dry.
This clarifying bath will strip blackened finishes off silver.
DO
...put your jewellery on as the last step when you are getting ready for the day, after putting on creams, make up, and styling your hair.
...store your jewellery in a cool, dry, safe place such as the box it came in; away from extreme heat, steam and humidity.
...store chains by letting them hang in a natural position or lay inside your jewellery box as they fall.
DON'T
...wear your jewellery in a swimming pool or the ocean.
...wear your jewellery whilst cleaning with household bleaches, detergents or other chemicals.
...spray perfume or hairspray on or around your jewellery.
...wear your jewellery to sleep, especially chain necklaces.
...wear your jewellery to the gym.
...curl or twist chains to store them.
...use toothpaste to clean your jewellery.
For further inquiries on the best care practices for your Alicia Hannah Naomi jewellery, do not hesitate to email the studio.