Jewellery Care

Kohatu + Petros sell sterling silver (925), gold vermeil and semi-precious stone jewellery. It is important to take some simple steps to look after your jewellery so that you can enjoy it over many years.

WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?

Gold vermeil is simply a layer of gold over sterling silver. It is important to look after Gold vermeil to get longevity out of your jewellery. Always remove your gold vermeil jewellery when applying scent, lotions and potions, or even better, always put your jewellery on last when getting dressed.

Never wear your gold vermeil jewellery in the shower or when swimming. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolour your gold vermeil jewellery.

As with all fine things in life, you should take care to protect your jewellery and always store in a jewellery box, taking care not to drop, or scratch. All Kohatu + Petros Jewellery comes supplied in a velvet pouch. Remember when travelling to take extra care with your jewellery that it does not get squashed by heavier items you are carrying.


HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SILVER JEWELLERY?


Sterling silver is a precious metal and as a result of its composition your silver jewellery may tarnish gradually over time. Tarnishing is a natural process that is caused when sterling silver is exposed to humidity and chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide in the air. To minimise the speed of this process we advise you to do the following:

  • Remove jewellery when bathing, showering or swimming as water and chemicals (especially chlorine) can affect the longevity of the gold plating or encourage silver to tarnish.

  • Chemicals in make-up, hair spray, scent and moisturisers can also affect the beauty and shine of your jewellery, so apply these before wearing your jewellery.

  • Remove jewellery when doing household tasks such as cleaning, playing sport or other strenuous activities since jewellery may become scratched or harmed by sharp blows.

  • Do not wear your jewellery whilst on the beach or sunbathing since extreme temperatures and strong UV rays can cause gemstones to fade in colour and lose their original beauty, whilst sand can damage their surface.

 

CLEANING SILVER JEWELLERY

Some silver jewellery has an oxidised finish. If your piece is partially oxidised we advise cleaning the bright silver areas by rubbing with a silver polishing cloth. Jewellery that is comprised of just silver without an oxidised finish can also be dipped in silver dip. This is an effective and easy method of getting a bright finish back on your jewellery.

CLEANING JEWELLERY WITH GEMSTONES

Clean jewellery using warm water, mild soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive silver cloth or soft lint free cloth to polish jewellery. Soft porous stones such as pearls and opals must not be dipped in silver dip as it will penetrate the stone and could lead to discolouring.