Handle With Care
The Armature Guide To Jewelry Care How to clean, store and keep your jewelry in perfect condition
Armature jewelry is handcrafted using artisanal techniques and has been specially designed to last a very long time (hopefully several lifetimes). You can increase the lifespan of your Armature jewelry pieces dramatically by caring for them carefully using proper methods.
Here are our top tips to be knowledgeable about composition and how to look after your jewelry
How to look after gold jewelry
Some jewelry lovers assume the terms gold plated, gold filled and gold vermeil are interchangeable, however these categories actually vary in important ways. Each have a layer of gold on the surface, so it’s easy to confuse them. Of course the percentage of gold makes them more valuable and durable than costume jewelry. You’ll want to consider the qualities of each before choosing what to add to your collection.
Plated gold should be kept away from water at all costs, as this will tarnish it easily. It’s wise to avoid spraying perfumes, hair spray or any other type or aerosol around your jewelry too. Make sure accessorizing is the last thing you do before you leave the house. Plated jewelry has 1 micron of gold adhered to base metal, usually brass or silver, and there is no minimum karat weight or thickness.
How to care for Plated Gold
Plated gold Armature pieces can be cleaned at home using this easy formula.
You’ll need Supplies: - Dishwashing liquid - Warm water Tools: - Small bowl - Microfiber cloth or jewelry cloth - Cotton ball - Cotton swab
Cleaning solution: Add 3 drops of soap to 1 cup of warm water 1. Soak your jewelry, free of embellishments such as pearls, gemstones or enamel in the warm solution. To prevent scratching clean only one or two pieces at a time. 2. Tackle embedded soil If you have any jewelry that are intercity carved or sculpted, use a cotton swab to clean and remove dirt in small crevices. 3. Rinse, dry and buff After you’ve thoroughly cleaned you’r gold plated jewelry, rinse with warm water and pat dry using a soft, lint free cloth, gently buff and shine.
Uncover our plated gold Mirage Collection
Gold-filled jewelry is 12k or 14k over base metal.It is extremely durable, and long lasting. Gold-filled Jewelry is a great alternative to solid gold. Gold-filled is made by heat, and pressure bonding a thin layer of karat gold to a brass or copper base metal core. Gold-filled has an actual layer of karat gold, not just a microscopic film. Simply put, gold-filled is in-between solid gold and gold-plated. The Gold layer must be 5% of the total weight of the piece.
How to care for Gold-Filled
Gold-filled Armature pieces can also be cleaned at home just the same as gold plated. Discover our Gold-filled Duality Collection.
Gold Vermeil jewelry has to be have a minimum of 2.5 microns of Gold to be considered true vermeil, the Base metal must contain 92.5% sterling silver or 99.9% silver. The purity of gold must be at least 10 karats, (ours is 14Kt) Since gold vermeil is much heavier than plating, its longevity last much longer. However, a gold plated piece could potentially be more valuable than a vermeil piece if it has high gold karat weight (20 or 22k) and a thick layer of gold. The highest quality of Demi-fine jewelry is made in Gold Vermeil. Keep your vermeil jewelry dry, and away from contact with lotions, Hand washing, perfume and sweating. Great for everyday wear, clean your vermeil jewelry with a soft anit-tarnish jewelry cloth to remove any tarnishing. Avoid rubbing too hard, use only occasionally.
How to care for Gold Vermeil
Wear your Gold Vermeil jewelry often and clean they frequently with a soft cloth. Clean your vermeil pieces the same as you would gold plated and gold-filled. Ride the Wave Collection in 14Kt Gold Vermeil.
Solid gold is much more durable than gold plating, but it still needs to be treated with care. Gold jewelry can develop a build up from the natural oils of your skin, which will cause its shine to dull. This can be easily cleaned away, however avoid taking part in any exercises or activities that may cause a lot of heavy sweating. Always remove your jewelry before doing household chores. Strong chemicals in cleaning products can corrode gold, permanently damaging it.
How to care for Solid Gold
Gold Armature pieces can also be cleaned at home but they require slightly more care. You can buy gold cleaning solutions from jewelry stores or online,which must then be very carefully buffed into the metal with a soft brush. This process can take some time and you must be incredibly careful. Ride the Wave Collection in 9K Solid Gold.
How to look after silver jewelry Humidity can cause sterling silver jewelry to tarnish very quickly, so avoid taking these kinds of pieces on your next tropical vacation and opt for gold instead. Keep your silver pieces in a cool, dry place away from excess moisture whenever you aren’t wearing them, and avoid sticky lotions or self tanners that could cause them to corrode.
How to care for Sterling Silver
Silver Armature pieces can be cleaned at home using a silver polishing cloth. You can buy these online and they usually contain anti-tarnishing agents to coat your jewelry in a protective film. This should stop any sort of discoloration. Explore the Orion Collection in Sterling Silver.
How to clean jewelry with Gemstones & Diamonds
You can clean your inlay and bezel set gemstones, and pavé set diamonds with soapy water and a soft lint free cloth just like silver and gold. Avoid any abrasive cleaning solutions.
Alternatively, we recommend taking your pieces to be professionally cleaned, where they will be properly treated depending on their composition. In this case, make sure to note down the exact composition of your Armature piece so they can give it the most accurate care.
Information can usually be found on our website, but if your piece is no longer available online please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to give you more details.
Sparkle in gray diamonds in our Orion Collection. Uncover Tigers eye, Lapis and Malachite in our Bon Bon Collection.
Wear tourmaline from our wave collection.
Gold Armature pieces can also be cleaned at home but they require slightly more care. You can buy gold cleaning solutions from jewelry stores or online,which must then be very carefully buffed into the metal with a soft brush. This process can take some time and you must be incredibly careful. Ride the Wave Collection in 9K Solid Gold.