Permanent Jewellery Care Instructions

Permanent Jewellery Care Instructions

The Tree of Opals Guide to Sustaining Your Forever Pieces. Welcome to the permanent jewellery club! Whilst they're designed for everyday wear and are incredibly low-maintenance, "permanent" does not mean "indestructible."

Permanent Jewellery is a beautiful way to give yourself a little glow. From our new permanent jewellery studio inside Monnow Glow in Monmouth, we can help you feel special and sparkly.

Permanent Jewellery Care Instructions

When you get permanent jewellery done and the piece looks fantastic, this guide can help you keep it looking amazing. Take it from someone who loves fake tan and hot tubs, swimming and hair dye, these things can still be done but we have to bear a few things in mind!

Daily Cleaning Routine 

  • The "Shower" Rule: Showering and having baths with the jewellery is, of course, perfectly fine (and actually helps rinse off daily body oils and lotions).

  • Deep Cleaning Steps:
    If you feel you need a deep clean, we recommend using a teeny bit of washing up liquid and warm water. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to gently get into the links of ornate chains or around engraved charms. Pat dry thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth. Finish with a jewellery polishing cloth

Metal-Specific Care

  • Solid Silver Chains and Charms:
    Solid silver naturally oxidises over time when exposed to the elements, skin pH, or certain chemicals. We use solid sterling silver with a minimium of 925 purity, or Argentium 940 (which doesn't contain as much copper). You can give the piece a quick rub with a silver polishing cloth to instantly bring back the shine. 
  • Gold-Filled Chains and Charms:
    Gold-filled metal, or rolled gold, is very durable. It's a thick layer of gold, rather than being plated, and stands up wonderfully to daily wear. Don't use harsh abrasives or stiff brushes, which could eventually wear down the finish. A gentle wash is all it needs.

What to Avoid (The Danger Zones)

  • Harsh Chemicals: Try hard not to expose the jewellery to household cleaning supplies, bleach, and heavy perfumes or self-tanners, which can cause dullness or discoloration. Personally I use them all the time but each person's body chemistry is different.

  • Pools & Hot Tubs: Chlorine and sulfur are notoriously harsh on precious metals, especially solid silver and the weld points on gold filled. Try rinsing the jewellery with clean, fresh water immediately after a swim and give it a polish after it's dry. Colour changes will resolve themselves after a few days.

"What If I Need to Take It Off?" (Life Events)

  • Travel/Airport Security: TSA and airport scanners do not require fine jewellery to be removed. They can travel freely! I've never heard of an issue with permanent jewellery, only our larger memorial and keepsake jewellery is sometimes requested for removal.

  • Medical Procedures (MRIs/Surgery): If you're required to remove the jewellery for a medical reason, you can come back before you go or do so easily at home.

  • How to Cut: Use sharp nail clippers or wire cutters to snip the chain specifically at the welded jump ring (not the middle of the chain).

  • The Promise: You can keep the chain safe and bring it back to the studio to be re-welded free of charge once your'r recovered.

Breakages and Snags

  • Safety First: Permanent jewellery is designed with safety in mind. If it gets caught tightly on something, the jump ring is designed to stretch or snap to prevent injury to your wrist or ankle.

  • Next Steps: We don't use any metals containing nickel but if you'd like us to add any of your own charms or chains for a small fee, we can do that in the understanding we can't guarantee the metal composition

Conclusion

A little bit of mindfulness goes a long way in preserving your piece! Book a quick appointment if you need a re-weld, or come back and add to your stack. Drop-ins are always welcome if we're not busy. Book here and here's a printable version.

Please pop in (I'm right by the zebra crossing, three doors to the right of the Green Dragon by Monnow Bridge) book an appointment with me on 07577575017 WhatsApp 

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