Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for your jewellery
Silver naturally tarnishes over time as it reacts with moisture and chemicals in the air. This is completely normal and can easily be managed with a little care, though some people prefer the slightly aged look.
Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, household chemicals and hairsprays
Remove your jewellery before showering, bathing or swimming — particularly in chlorinated water.
When it isn’t being worn, store it away from direct sunlight in an airtight box or bag; adding a small silica-gel sachet will help keep moisture at bay.
Clean your jewellery gently with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. A specialist silver-polishing cloth can be used to restore its shine.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or home remedies on pieces containing gemstones, sea glass or intentionally oxidised finishes, as these may cause damage.
And finally, don’t save your silver for best: the natural oils in your skin can help slow tarnishing, so enjoy wearing it often!
Hallmarking
A hallmark is a small set of marks stamped onto a piece of jewellery to show that the metal has been independently tested by an official Assay Office. It confirms what the metal is, how pure it is, such as 925 sterling silver, and where it was tested.
They are made up of three main symbols: the maker’s or sponsor’s mark, a fineness mark showing the purity of the metal, and the mark of the Assay Office that tested it; it may also include an optional date letter. You can see my own hallmark in the photo.
Not all my work will be hallmarked though; in the UK, only pieces over a certain weight (not including gemstones etc.) require a legal hallmark. For silver this is anything weighing over 7.78g. For gold and palladium the value is 1g, and for platinum 0.5g.
It’s a simple way of giving you confidence that you’re buying the genuine article.
For more information on hallmarking, have a look at the Assay Office's Dealer Notice.