Now that summer has officially arrived, it is high time to talk about jewellery care.
First of all: Metals oxidise.
This is a natural process in the presence of oxygen. Some pieces oxidise more while stored because the packaging can contain glue that accelerates the process and your jewellery may oxidise less when worn. Depending on the PH balance of your skin, however, you may find that some of your jewellery, especially sterling silver, oxidises quickly in hot weather, like the ring in the photo after four days of hiking in 40 degrees.
Fortunately, this ring epitomises the VON W philosophy and was designed to change over time and to be enhanced by the signs of everyday wear and oxidation, but it may not suit every look or your personal preferences. A simple polish with a silver or gold cloth can solve the problem, as can a change in your body’s PH-balance. For most of the year, said ring is back to its normal, bright silver texture. To a maker of jewellery, occasional surface oxides are therefore less of a concern. They are temporary and many makers use patination deliberately to give their pieces depth.
There are, however, a few things you should NEVER do with jewellery, as your piece can become corroded and structurally affected in no time:
Keep your jewels away from chemicals, especially from bleach and chlorine. No swimming, no cleaning while wearing your precious engagement ring! Such chemicals can lead to the ‘Swiss cheese’ effect and eat holes into your gold, especially around solder lines. You could easily lose a prong and your precious solitaire diamond in a pool.
Salt water, perfumes, lotions and heat may also affect your treasures, so apply any cosmetics before putting on jewellery. Take care with fine chains and avoid catching or pulling.
As we know from excavations and museum displays across the world, silver, gold and precious stones can survive for millennia. This does not mean that they are indestructible: Diamonds may be one of the hardest materials on the planet and are not easily scratched — but a diamond is still vulnerable to chipping and breakage and needs to be treated as a precious object. Ensure therefore, that you take off your jewellery when doing any physical task, such as DIY, gardening, housework or exercising, as this could result in damage to a stone.
Organic imperfections are part of the design philosophy of VON W FINE JEWELLERY. In fact, most pieces have been specially conceived to chart your life story by embracing a light scratch or a small bump on the metal and serve as mindful reflection over time before being bequeathed to the next generation. However, you are still in possession of a precious object, which is not indestructible and it will need care.
Especially the pieces from our | become | collection are designed as everyday jewellery. Even the diamonds from our | bequeath | collection are hard gemstones that do not scratch easily. Some diamonds, however, are more sensitive than others and need to be worn with extra care. Depending on their internal structure and setting, some can be more vulnerable to breakage if they receive a sharp bump or strike against a hard surface. Jewels that consist of materials such as pearls and softer gemstones (spinel, citrine, aquamarine), however, will scratch with regular wear, so care must be taken with these items and occasional wear is recommended. If you chip or break a stone, having jewellery insurance will not only pay for a replacement, but it will also cover any needed repair / diamond replacement. Clean your jewellery regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft toothbrush, liquid soap and warm water to avoid any build-up of dirt and keep the stones looking their best. And should any repairs become necessary, we will assess these on a case-by-case basis even beyond the 12 months warranty period. Simply contact us.
Here is your jewellery care in short:
- Check and gently clean your jewellery regularly
- Summer holidays and jewellery don’t mix
- Avoid chemicals and physical impact on your jewellery
- Store your jewellery in the pouch or box provided