MATERIALS AND SILVER CARE
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PURE SILVER JEWELLERY
Most Rico Designs pieces are pure silver at 99% this is the purest form of silver available (higher than sterling silver 92.5%). This silver is much, much slower to tarnish than sterling silver and can easily be worn in the water. I find the ocean and shower keeps the silver nice and clean. (Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine found in swimming pools, spas or cleaning chemicals). With constant wear, I never need to clean my jewellery. If you haven’t worn your jewellery for a while, it may require a quick clean either with a silver polishing cloth or in hot mild soapy water. Product descriptions will state if an item is pure silver or sterling silver.
Please refer to individual product descriptions for advice if an item is not recommended to be worn in the water. This will be be the case if an item is made on a wire. Wire is not as long lasting as waxed cord.
Pure silver is a non-reactive metal, which means it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction for sensitive individuals.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver content) Sterling silver has less silver content than pure silver does and a mixture of other metals including copper make up the final %. This copper content is the reason why sterling silver tends to tarnish – over time copper reacts to oxygen and releases oxidation on the surface of the material. This can be cleaned and can also be prevented with proper care. Sterling silver can be worn in the water however, water can cause sterling silver to oxidise (darken) more quickly. The chemicals in the water will also have an impact on how fast sterling silver will tarnish. This oxidisation can be cleaned. To clean your sterling silver jewellery simply use a mild soap and water solution and soft tooth brush. Pat dry with a soft cloth. A silver polishing cloth also works well.
When you are not wearing your silver, store it in a cool, dry place, inside a tarnish-preventive / zip lock bag or wrapped inside a soft piece of felt cloth.
A note on Turquoise and other soft stones.
Turquoise is a relatively soft stone (Mohs’ Hardness: 5 – 6). Extra care should be taken for the limited release turquoise jewellery. These pieces should always be stored carefully to avoid scuffs and scratches. Clean with gentle soap and lukewarm water. After cleaning, pat dry with a soft towel or cloth. Avoid wearing in pools and ocean. Look after your precious turquoise pieces so as they can last the distance.
A note to the wearer to make your Rico Designs last….
Each Rico Designs piece is threaded and knotted at the hand of Richelle to adorn the wearer.
These handmade treasures need to be treated with love and care. They are water resistant but not waterproof. While the pure silver wont be harmed, with continuous exposure to water, materials used such as cord and elastic to string the silver are not invincible and will slowly wear and stretch over time. Constant exposure to water will slowly lessen the lifespan of your Rico Designs jewels. In the case of restringing, please see ‘repairs’ to arrange to send back for remaking.
Please treat your Rico Designs jewellery with the love they were created with. If you would like your Rico Designs piece restrung, please contact Richelle at [email protected]
In the event of repairs, if silver pieces are missing, there will be a charge per gram to cover silver that needs to be added in.
When not wearing your silver jewellery, please keep in an air tight bag within a draw. This helps to avoid having to clean your jewellery when you are ready to wear your jewels again.