JEWELLERY CARE

Your jewellery is designed to be worn, loved, and treasured for years to come.

With the right care, you can keep it looking its best while preserving the detail and beauty of each piece.

Metals and gemstones have different levels of durability and resistance, but I would always recommend removing your jewellery when cleaning, bathing, exercising, or carrying out heavy-duty work to help prevent damage and prolong its lifespan.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a precious metal made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% “other” metal, usually copper. Sterling silver tarnishes naturally and occurs when your jewellery is exposed to the air. More specifically, it is caused by a chemical reaction between the sterling silver and the air and any chemicals that come into contact with it. This is a process called ‘oxidation’, causing a thin layer of tarnish to sit on your jewellery. The good news is this is 100% reversible!

Argentium Silver

Argentium silver is a fairly new alloy, invented in the 1990's by a Silversmith. It replaces some of the copper in traditional sterling silver with the element germanium, and has a higher content of silver. It is typically available in three grades 93.5%, 94% and 96% pure silver. Argentium silver has a brighter, whiter appearance than sterling silver. The addition of germanium give it durability and most importantly tarnish resistance. The composition of this silver alloy also make it more suitable for people with allergies - hypoallergenic

Gold

As the name suggests, when a piece of jewellery is described as ‘solid gold’ it has been made entirely out of gold, rather than simply being ‘gold plated’. A plated piece of jewellery has a thin layer of gold over a base of non-gold metal.

In its purest form (24 carat) gold is very soft, and scratches easily. Therefore, it is commonly combined with alloys to create a more structurally sound metal. All Mooi Jewellery described as ‘gold’ is made from 9 carat or 18 carat gold.

Gemstones

Diamonds are natural gemstones formed deep within the Earth over millions of years under intense heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but are created in a controlled environment rather than formed underground.

Gemstones can be gently wiped with a soft cloth or soft bristle toothbrush and a mild soapy water, but should never be immersed for long periods of time. Take extra care around the setting, especially prong / claw settings, as the claw could get pulled or bent.

Ensure the jewellery is completely dry before wearing or storing it, as moisture can become trapped within the setting.

Pearls & Opals

Pearls are organic gemstones formed within molluscs, such as oysters. Their soft lustre and delicate surface make them unique, but also more sensitive, meaning they require gentler care than other gemstones.

Opals are also a natural, soft gemstone which requires gentler care.

These can both be gently wiped with a soft cloth and a mild soapy water, but should never be soaked or immersed.

Ensure the jewellery is completely dry before wearing or storing it, as moisture can become trapped within the setting.

Sea Glass

Sea glass is naturally weathered glass that has been shaped by the ocean over many, many years. As it is relatively brittle material, a little extra care is required, much like with some of the softer gemstones.

The silver or gold components can be cared for and cleaned as described. However, extra care should be taken not to drop or knock the sea glass, as it may chip or break. Avoid leaving sea glass jewellery immersed in water when cleaning, and ensure it is completely dry before wearing or storing it, as moisture can become trapped within the setting.

What Is Tarnish?

Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that happens when metals come into contact with elements in the air, moisture, and everyday substances.

It usually appears as:

A dull or darkened surface
Slight discolouration (grey, yellow, or black tones)

This is completely normal and not a sign that your jewellery is faulty. In fact, it’s a natural process that occurs even with precious metals.

Most jewellery metals — including silver and gold alloys — are mixed with other metals to make them strong enough for everyday wear.

These alloyed metals can react with:

Air and moisture
Natural oils from your skin
Perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics
Chlorine, salt water, and cleaning products

This reaction creates a thin surface layer (tarnish), which can cause the metal to lose its shine over time.

Preventing Tarnish

Sterling silver can tarnish over time, but it is important to know that tarnishing will not damage your jewellery, and that this is a completely natural process, which can be removed and slowed down significantly with the right care.

I recommend:

Storing your jewellery in a dry, enclosed space when not in use, such as a ziplock bag
Removing jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising
Avoiding contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products
Removing jewellery when sleeping - your jewellery can become caught or tangled
Keeping pieces separate to prevent scratches

These simple steps can make a big difference in maintaining your jewellery’s finish over time.

Polish Cloth

Using a polishing cloth (especially one impregnated with polishing compounds) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain the shine of your jewellery. Polishing regularly with a soft polish cloth will help prevent tarnish taking a grip. Silver dips should be avoided as they will remove any antique finish from the jewellery.

Carefully hold your jewellery and gently rub the surface of the piece in small motions. Take extra care around fine details.

Warm Soapy Water

A gentle clean using warm soapy water is one of the safest and most effective ways to care for your jewellery at home.

Add a small amount of mild soap to lukewarm water and mix gently. Place your jewellery in the bowl and leave it to soak for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt, oils, or residue. Using a soft brush or cloth, carefully clean the surface of your jewellery. Take extra care around fine detailed areas and settings where dirt can build up. Rinse the piece under clean lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Pat dry with a soft cloth and allow your jewellery to dry completely before wearing or storing.

Baking Soda Method

For a deeper clean — for more noticeable tarnish, the baking soda method can help.

This method is not suitable for cleaning pearls.

Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side facing up. Lay your jewellery directly onto the foil, ensuring it is in contact with the surface. Sprinkle baking soda over the jewellery and carefully pour boiling water into the bowl submerging the jewellery. Allow the jewellery to sit for 5–10 minutes while the reaction lifts the tarnish. Rinse jewellery thoroughly with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth and allow your jewellery to dry completely before wearing or storing.

Cleaning Your Jewellery

FAQ's

What is difference between Fine Silver, Sterling Silver and Argentium Silver?

Fine silver is made up of 99.9% pure silver. Due to its purity it is soft and prone to miss-shape and scratch.

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, most commonly copper. These additional metals give it its strength and durability. However, it is these metals in the alloy, particularly copper, that can cause it to tarnish over time.

Will my jewellery tarnish?

Sterling silver can tarnish over time, but it is important to know that tarnishing will not damage your jewellery, and that this is a completely natural process, which can be removed and prevented.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and base metals such as copper; the copper reacts with sulphur-containing gases in the air to form a layer of the compound copper sulphide.

Some items have been deliberately tarnished to give the black 'antiqued' finish.

Whilst I personally believe that Sterling Silver jewellery can be worn 24/7, here are some top tips to avoid tarnishing.

When you're not wearing your jewellery, store in an air tight bag to reduce the contact with the air and moisture.
Contact with harsh chemicals such as Cleaning products, Perfume, make-up and lotions etc. can accelerate tarnishing, you may need to clean you jewellery more often.
The salt and acid content in sweat can also accelerate tarnishing.
Wearing in the Pool or in a Hot Tub can speed up the tarnishing process due to the chemicals used in the water.
Chains can snag when you're exercising or sleeping, so take care.

Argentium silver is highly tarnish-resistant and tarnishes far less than traditional sterling silver. The inclusion of germanium in its alloy provides a protective barrier that makes it up to seven times more resistant to tarnishing. It still requires some care and proper storage to maintain its shine, and it can still tarnish if exposed to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine from pool water.

Will the black lettering fade?

To darken any lettering, I use a safe non-toxic patina. Over time this patina may fade or discolour with wear or if it comes into contact with household chemicals such as cleaning products, but I’m always happy to add this to your jewellery again, just get in touch!

However if you’d rather not have your stamping darkened, there is the option to have it left silver.