Care Instructions
Every piece of Meadowlark jewellery is made with care from precious metals and natural gemstones. Following are instructions on how to make your jewellery last a lifetime:
- Always protect your jewellery from sharp blows, scratching, chemicals, sunlight and heat/cold.
- Store your jewellery in a soft lined box or pouch. Try to keep pieces apart so they don't rub together.
- Your jewellery will age and tarnish naturally so if you want to keep your pieces in pristine condition, clean your jewellery regularly, using a professional jewellery cleaning product. Always read the manufacturers instructions.
- Be aware of tarnish which may occur as a result of oxidisation, caused by the interaction of silver or gold plated jewellery with certain elements such as oxygen or sulphur as well as with certain acids.
- Never go swimming wearing your jewellery, as chlorine in swimming pools can cause damage to all metals and will erode gold jewellery.
- Avoid wearing while cleaning, gardening or performing sports activities.
STERLING SILVER
Keep silver jewellery away from harsh chemicals like household cleaning fluids as they create abrasions and reduce the lustre of the metal. Cleaning silver jewellery is best done with a professional jewellery cleaning product. Thoroughly dry your silver jewellery after exposure to water.
GOLD
Keep gold jewellery away from harsh chemicals like household cleaning fluids as they create abrasions and reduce the lustre of the metal. Cleaning gold jewellery is best done with warm water and detergent free soap. Thoroughly dry your jewellery after exposure to water.
GOLD PLATED
Our gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of 9 carat gold on top of sterling silver.
Gold Plating will wear off over time - to have your jewellery replated, please contact us for a quote. Use non-abrasive cleaning materials. If a cleaning substance is too strong it may remove the gold.
Do not let your jewellery come into contact with nail polish removers, perfume or hairspray. Do not wear gold plated jewellery on a day to day basis, that way you will enjoy them for much longer. Frequently clean in a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water. Use of a polishing cloth or strong jewellery cleaner is not recommended.
RHODIUM PLATED
Although we do not plate our all of jewellery, we will on request.
Our rhodium plated jewellery has a thin layer of metal on top of sterling silver or gold and gives it a shiny and bright finish. Rhodium plating will eventually fade and need to be replated. To have your jewellery replated, please contact us for a quote.
When the plating becomes discoloured, you will need to clean it using the following instructions:
- Cleaning gold jewellery is best done with warm water and detergent free soap. Soak for 10 minutes and no longer than 15 minutes. With your fingers gently rub the jewellery and with a soft toothbrush gently scrub the finer areas.
- Rinse off all soap with lukewarm water, place the jewellery on a soft towel and gently pat dry and leave it to air dry overnight.
- Use non-abrasive cleaning materials. If a cleaning substance is too strong it may remove the rhodium. Do not use jewellery cleaning products.
Do not let your jewellery come into contact with nail polish removers, creams, perfume or hairspray. Store your jewellery in a soft lined box or pouch with an anti tarnish strip. Try to keep pieces apart so they don't rub together.
PEARLS
Follow the tips below to care for your Meadowlark pearl pieces.
- After each wear, wipe your pearls with a soft cloth. This will help prevent any buildup of oils or other substances that may have come into contact with your jewellery throughout the day.
- Clean with a damp cloth only as needed. If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and a mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls.
- Do not submerge strung pearls in water, as it will weaken the silk thread.
- Let them dry all the way before storing. This helps preserve the silk thread.
- Wear your pearls often! Pearls do best in a moist environment so wearing them frequently keeps them from drying out.