Materials

I use a mixture of metals in my jewellery, most are created from either tarnish-resistant coated copper or bare copper; it is stated in the description of each item what wire is used to enable you to care for it appropriately.

 

Tarnish-Resistant Plated/Coloured Copper: Coloured or plated copper wire is coated with a tarnish-resistant layer and should not tarnish quickly. The coating however can wear or chip off with time. Please see the general maintenance and cleaning instructions below to prolong the life of your piece.

 

Bare (Raw) Copper: Bare copper is usually a bright and shiny material but oxidation can occur over time creating a natural ‘patina’ or antiqued look to your piece. This oxidation can also be hastened to create an antiqued look from the start. Whether my pieces are left bright and shiny or given an antiqued patina, they are all treated with a coating of renaissance wax to protect the intended finish. This coating however can wear off or be damaged by chemicals such a perfumes and cleaning products. To prevent further oxidation or restore the original finish, bare copper can be lightly polished with a polishing cloth or very fine steel wool (both readily available online or in the shops).

 

Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is an blend of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. It is usually bright and shiny but, like copper, can oxidise over time or be oxidised to create an antique look. All my sterling silver wire and findings are sourced from reputable UK suppliers. As all my sterling silver pieces contain less than 7.78g silver total, legally they do not have to contain a hallmark but where applicable are stamped with the ‘925’ mark.

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Here’s how to get the best of out of your piece:

• Remove before doing housework, exercise, showering, or going to bed

• Put on lotions, perfume, & hairspray, ensuring they are completely dry, before putting on your jewellery

• Do not clean your jewellery with abrasive cleaners or cloths, or with an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner

• Do not subject your jewellery to intense and/or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; some semi-precious stones are sensitive to the sun and colours may fade.

• After taking your jewellery off, wipe it with a clean, dry soft cloth and store them properly

• Store in a dry, airtight bag or with an anti-tarnish strip (readily available online)

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Finally, wear your jewellery and enjoy it!​​

 

Some metals, particularly bare copper and silver, tarnish over time. This is a natural process and there's not much which can be done about it. Where necessary the pieces are sealed to slow the process down but wearing the jewellery can also help by naturally polishing the metal and coating it in natural oils from the skin​

 

Cleaning

Most items can be washed in lukewarm soapy water and dried with a clean, soft cloth. Polishing or ‘Sunshine’ cloths are readily available online and are great for cleaning jewellery and removing the oxidation or tarnish.