Your jewellery tells your story, and to make sure these pieces continue to shine bright, a little bit of care goes a long way, so we’ve put together a guide for understanding and caring for your gold-filled and sterling silver jewellery.
What is Gold-Filled?
Gold-filled means that a layer of gold has been bonded to a base metal, at Indigo Bay it’s brass, using heat and pressure. Unlike gold plating, which is much thinner, gold-filled items contain 5% gold by weight, making them more durable and resistant to tarnishing.
What is Sterling Silver?
Because silver is so soft, a lot of jewellery is made of sterling silver which is made up of 92.5% pure silver, and the remaining 7.5% made up of copper. This blend gives sterling silver its strength while preserving its shine. But just a heads-up: because of that copper content, sterling silver can tarnish over time, so it may need a little extra love to keep it shining bright.
Why Has My Jewellery Turned Black?
If your jewellery has taken on a dull or darkened finish, don’t worry—it’s completely normal! Tarnishing happens when metals interact with air, humidity, or certain chemicals. Everyday items like perfumes, lotions, sweat, and even the pH of your skin can speed up this process. Tarnish is harmless and easily reversible with some simple care.
How to Care for Your Jewellery
Keeping your gold-filled and sterling silver pieces looking fresh and shiny is simple!
Avoid Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners can lead to tarnish. Put your jewellery on after getting ready and take it off before cleaning or swimming.
Remove When Necessary: Take your pieces off before exercising, showering, or sleeping to minimize exposure to sweat and water.
Clean Regularly: Gentle, regular cleaning will prevent tarnish from building up and keep your jewellery looking its best.
No need for harsh chemicals or special tools! Here’s how to clean your jewellery at home:
Gold-Filled Jewellery: Gently wipe your piece with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and oils. For a deeper clean, you can use mild, soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Just be careful—harsh brushes, or strong scrubbing can scratch the surface.
Sterling Silver: We include a silver polishing cloth with each order so you can give it a quick shine or remove any tarnish. For everyday cleaning you can mix a little mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to gently clean your silver. Avoid silver dips or abrasive polishes, as they can strip the finish over time.After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water to make sure all detergent has been washed off and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure your jewellery is completely dry before storing it to avoid moisture-related tarnishing.
Storage
Proper storage helps to keep your jewellery tarnish-free:
Keep Away from Moisture: Humidity leads to tarnishing, so it’s best to store your jewellery in a cool, dry place. Bathrooms are best avoided.
Separate Your Pieces: Store each item separately to prevent scratches. The soft pouch your Morse Code piece was sent in is ideal.