All jewellery sold in the Brass monkeys is made from the highest quality of materials. All silver, gold, palladium and platinum pieces are hallmarked to guarantee authenticity in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973.
All materials will show signs of wear with use and particularly finishes on metal are liable to change. A matt finish becomes shinier and a polished finish dulls down. This is particularly noticeable with rings as they are rubbed and knocked more often than other pieces of jewellery.
To ensure the finish lasts, care should be taken to avoid contact with chlorine, perfume, hairspray, sun cream or other chemicals. Precious metals are vulnerable to scratches and the jewellery should be removed when doing manual work, or sport of any kind. it should be stored carefully with no other pieces of jewellery on top of it. If pieces do become scratched or their surface finish is otherwise damaged, they can be returned to Brass Monkeys for re-finishing.
We recommend that all your jewellery is removed for showering, bathing, at night and absolutely for swimming in both chlorine and saltwater.
Gemstones
We always advise regular checks to your gemstones and we are happy to check these pieces for you – like a little MOT!
Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is also prone to oxidisation and this can easily be removed by cleaning either with hot water and washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush or with a commercial product designed for the purpose.
Cleaning silver with gemstones:
Use warm water and washing up liquid, use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to clear any debris around the settings, rinse off thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Do not soak pearls as they are porous. If they need a clean, use warm water and gently wipe with a soft cloth. Allow them to air-dry thoroughly before putting away or wearing again.
Polishing:
Polishing is a great way to spruce up sterling silver, that hasn’t tarnished too much. We recommend investing in a silver polishing cloth, and gently polish in the direction of the grain of the silver. Never polish in circles and don’t use tissues or paper towels.
Gold Jewellery
As with all metals, gold can still scratch although it is much more resistant than silver, the shine and lustre of this metal can be easily restored to its original beauty.
Vermeil
Vermeil is gold plated sterling silver. It has a thicker layer of gold than ‘plated’ jewellery. You can clean your gold vermeil jewellery by gently wiping it with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. It should not be treated with chemical products, as they may remove the gold. Over time, even though there is a thicker layer of gold than in plated jewellery, the surface may become worn and the piece may need re-plating. This is more likely with rings than other items of jewellery, as they receive more wear and tear.
Snake Chain Storage Recommendation
A lot of our pendants and necklaces are supplied on snake chains. Snake chains have an unusual semi-rigid form, which can make them susceptible to kinking and they should therefore not be worn in bed. Careful storage is required to preserve the chain’s original shape. The manufacturer recommends that the chain be stored hanging-up or carefully coiled and to avoid it being squished in a jewellery box or under heavy items.
We will always be happy to give you advice on cleaning and care of your jewellery.