CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

Firstly, remember to use a small bowl or plastic container to clean and rinse your jewels, we don't want them accidentally disappearing when you let the water out the basin :)

CARING FOR YOUR STONES

The hardness of minerals varies, and is measured on the MOHS Scale. A diamond has the maximum hardness of 10, whilst gypsum has the minimum hardness of 1. A fingernail has the hardness of 2. The coloured stones we use are on the higher side of the spectrum in between. All stones should be treated with care, as they can crack or chip if dropped or knocked against a hard surface like concrete.

Cleaning your stones:

Regularly clean your jewels with a few drops of dish soap and lukewarm water. Do not use hand sanitizer. If there is stubborn dirt in the setting, especially around claws, an old, soft toothbrush can be used to gently coax out the dirt with circular movements. Never scrub, and do not use a new nor hard toothbrush. Scrubbing can scratch the stone, as well as the metal setting. If the setting has a patina or has been gold plated, scrubbing will remove the patina and plating. Never soak jewels with stones in water for an extended time, or place jewelry with stones in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibration can cause the stones to crack. Jewel cleaner is not advised either as it will remove any patina in the setting, and is too harsh for most stones, especially opals.

EbonyArgento cannot be held responsible for stones damaged once received in good order and in your possession.

CARING FOR YOUR EARRINGS

Our base metal is always solid sterling silver 925. We double plate some of these pieces with 22karat gold in our studio.

Our patina on each piece is lovingly applied by hand, giving each item a unique finish. These pieces should not be dipped in jewelry cleaner, as it will destroy the patina.

Regular cleaning with a few drops of dish soap and lukewarm water solution is advised. Do not use hand sanitizer. Neither scrub the jewels, as this will remove the patina. Gently dry with a soft cloth or chamois. Store in the box your jewels arrived in, as  your other jewelry can cause scratches. 

Completely blackened pieces will, over time, allow the sterling silver to subtly peep through, mostly on corners. This adds to the vintage flair. If preferred, pieces can easily be re-blackened at this time. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about this.

Gold plated jewelry can easily be replated if necessary. We offer this sevice starting from R100 per item. 

If a piece can be dipped in jewelry cleaner, it will clearly be stated as such in the item description. The jewelry cleaner should not contain ammonia. Ultrasonic cleaning is not advised, as this can damage stones.

Keep your earrings away from all chemicals, including household detergents and apply perfume, moisturizers, sunblock, makeup and hairsprays before you put your earrings on. Remember to remove your jewelry before swimming or showering. 

CARING FOR YOUR RINGS

Many of our rings are one of a kind, original, handmade pieces. Rings with stones most often cannot be resized, due to the risk of  heat exposure causing the stone to crack.

We also have collections available, which we will manufacture to your specified size. These pieces too are unique, hand finished to the highest standard, with carefully hand applied vintage patina. No two rings can ever look the same. 

Our standard metal is always solid sterling silver 925, unless otherwise stated on the item description. 

Regular cleaning with a gentle hand soap and warm water solution is advised. A soft toothbrush may be gently used to remove stubborn grime, if necessary, around stones and claws.  Do not use a new, or medium, or hard bristle toothbrush, as this will remove the patina and can scratch the stone or metal. Gently wipe dry with a soft cloth or chamois.

Completely blackened pieces will, over time, allow the sterling silver to subtly peep through, mostly on corners. This adds to the vintage flair. If preferred, pieces can be re-blackened at this time. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about this.

Our  patinaed rings should never be dipped in jewelry cleaner or ultrasonic devices as this will destroy the unique patina. Remove your rings when using household detergents, which can also alter the patina.