Care instructions

Taking care of your jewellery will help to ensure it lasts a lifetime. Here are some basic care instructions for your Ruth Gilmour pieces:

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• Apply perfumes and creams etc first then put on your jewellery.

• It is best to remove your jewellery before exercise, or swimming in the sea or pool. (Chlorine and salt can react with precious metals, this I cannot fix for you)

• When not being worn, store your jewellery in the box it came in or in a small zip lock bag to help prevent tarnish.

• Periodically, wash with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. You can purchase other cleaning products for silver and gold ie. a polishing cloth, but be careful with chemicals if your pieces contain gemstones especially pearls and soft gems.

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Satin finish Pieces

• If you have a satin finish piece you may clean it with a green scourer and a little soap in a circular motion.

 

Oxidised pieces

• For treated oxidised pieces you may find they get a little scratched or it wears off over time. Do not clean using a polishing cloth as it will remove the oxidisation. Get in touch with me and I will happily re-oxidise for you.​

Pearls

• Some tips for pearls. As these are natural and soft, be a little careful and don't use any products near them or get them wet. For storage Pearls like air and the moisture in the air so don't store in a zip bag as they may dry out. Pearls love to be worn, your skins warmth and oils keep them looking their best but be careful of perfumes and creams.

 

All my work is made from solid Silver or Gold and as it’s handmade it is in its natural state so it is normal for silver to tarnish over time if not worn. Also, you may think  it does not look as bright as you would see in a high street jewellery shop. This is because jewellery in a shop is usually Rhodium plated  to make it look whiter, brighter and help to slow the effects of tarnish while on display. This Rhodium plating will wear off and you will need to have it replated often. It is the same for White gold. If you have a piece made by me from White gold, it will be the natural colour of white gold as it wont be plated either but this means it will always be the same colour. Shop bought jewellery made from White gold needs replating every couple of years.

If you find your silver goes black/tarnishes very quickly while you wear it, it may be due to your skins ph, or hormones. It is very rare but it is not a fault with the jewellery. Try following the care instructions above or get in touch if you need any further assistance.

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In closing be mindful that your jewellery is made to last many years but care is required. Precious metals are soft metals and they can distort or bits break if you’re not very careful, particularly rings, so I would not advise you to wear them when doing manual work or at the gym.

 

Please if you have any questions on the care of your pieces please get in touch as I really want you to enjoy your jewellery and wear it for many years.

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