Care Guide
All pieces are handmade in Adelaide by me! I predominantly use precious metals, pearls and gemstones which each have unique wear and tear tendencies. The better these pieces are cared for, the better they will look and last. To ensure the longevity of your pieces, please follow my care guide below.
To keep your new jewellery clean, I recommend not swimming, showering or gardening while wearing your jewellery. You should avoid spraying perfumes or applying lotions onto the jewellery, and if applied where the jewellery is worn, wait for the product to be absorbed before wearing your pieces.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive substances to clean any of your jewellery and try to refrain from continually knocking your jewellery on hard surfaces. This could chip stones and pearls and leave obvious scratches in the metal.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver can naturally tarnish over time. This is due to exposure to oxygen, and is aggravated by perfumes, make-up, lotions and oils. To remedy this, use a soft cloth or soft toothbrush with warm soapy water to get rid of everyday build up. For more stubborn spots a general silver cleaning product can be purchased from most supermarkets, which will clean the items if instructions are followed. For an at home option, line a small bowl with aluminium foil, add a cup of boiling water and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Place the jewellery in the bowl for about 30 seconds then run the jewellery under cold water. This should get rid of any stubborn tarnish. Do not use this technique for jewellery containing gemstones or pearls.
Gold Plating
24ct gold plating is a technique where a thin layer of metal is applied to the surface of a metal; in this case gold is applied to sterling silver using an electroplating process. As it is a surface treatment, it can wear and fade overtime. Avoid wearing plated jewellery when swimming, sleeping, showering, gardening and exercising. As with sterling silver, gold plating can be cleaned with warm soapy water using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Do not use any scotchbright or other abrasives on the jewellery as this could scratch off the gold and reveal the silver beneath. For well-loved and worn pieces it is best practice to re-plate every 2 to 3 years. Please get in contact with me, as I do this for you.
Pearls
Pearls have a beautiful natural sheen and lustre which wears well with the natural oils of the body. They are a natural and untreated material and as such are sensitive to abrasive and hard surfaces and chemicals. They have a porous surface so extra care should be taken when applying make-up, lotions and perfumes. To remove any built-up oil or dirt, simply wipe with a soft cloth – dampen if required. Do not use any chemical cleaning solutions on pearls.
Gemstones
While some gemstones are harder than others, generally speaking, gemstones are quite resilient, especially when set in protective settings. They can however chip if they come into contact with hard surfaces, especially on corners or weak points. To clean any jewellery containing gemstones, soapy water can be used with a soft brush or cloth.
Storage
Ensure your jewellery is thoroughly dried and kept in a soft and safe storage location. It is best to keep all jewellery pieces stored separately to avoid the metals knocking one another and causing damage. Your Danielle Barrie branded packaging is an ideal home for your jewels.
Repairs and Replacements
Mistakes happen. Things can get lost or mishandled. If an earring has been lost or a stone has chipped, please don’t hesitate to get into contact with me to discuss repair options or replacements.
Remodels and Remakes
If you have been gifted or inherited gold or silver jewellery that isn’t quite to your style or liking, or simply needs an update, please get in contact! All precious metals can be recycled and turned into beautiful pieces that can be worn and loved daily instead of gathering dust in a cupboard. By using the same material and perhaps elements from the original pieces, the jewellery will still hold sentimentality but have a place in your everyday ritual.