We are currently closed and will be re-opening for business on Tuesday 27th May. We apologise for any inconvenience.  |
How to care for your gifts
|
|
Time and the elements can take the sparkle out of your precious items, leaving them looking tired and tarnished. We have some tips to clean and preserve your keepsakes for many years to come.
Sterling Silver
The reason that silver tarnishes is that silver reacts with the hydrogen sulphide present in the air forming silver sulphide (tarnish). This can easily be removed by cleaning with a quality silver proprietary polish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Use a soft clean cloth as abrasive materials will scratch the soft surface of the silver.
Too much cleaning can make the engraving become faint due to loss of the surface so tarnish formation should be prevented as much as possible.
Never clean silver with general household cleaners such as scouring powder as it will scratch the surface or bleach which will leave a permanent ugly stain.
When storing, do not keep silver in sealable plastic bags. Condensation will form inside the bag & will speed up the chemical reaction (tarnish).
Make sure each piece is completely dry and wrap in acid-free tissue paper. Do not use newspaper or bind it with rubber bands. Store in a cool, dark place.
Silver & Gold Plated
Use a soft, dry clean cloth to restore the beautiful finish.
Silver and gold plate can actually be rubbed off if cleaning is too frequent and aggressive. Be gentle.
Chrome & Nickel
Use a soft, dry clean cloth to restore the beautiful finish.
Pewter
Pewter doesn't tarnish but it may develop a darker colouring.
Hand wash pewter in warm water using a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
A commercial pewter-cleaning polish may be used. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Do not use silver or brass polish.
Glass
Hand wash in warm water using a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Do not use dishwashers to clean glass. |
|
Sterling Silver Hallmark
A Hallmark means that the item has been independently tested by an Assay Office and guarantees that it conforms to a specified legal standard of purity.
The hallmark consists of several symbols including the Standard Mark. This shows the standard of purity of the precious metal content. In the case of Sterling Silver, this is 925 parts per 1000 by weight |
|
We are unable to take new orders until Tuesday 27th May. We apologise for any inconvenience. |
