To last the test of time, jewellery must be cared for. The jewellery we stock at Lily King is all demi-fine - which bridges the gap between high street fashion and high-end fine jewellery, offering quality luxury with a more affordable price tag over the solid gold / silver options. Demi-fine jewellery is a better option for sensitive skin (it's more hypoallergenic as it avoids cheap metals like nickel) and is made using sterling silver, gold vermeil & semi-precious stones which, when properly cared for, offer a longevity not found with plated metals.
What is Gold Vermeil jewellery?
Gold vermeil is similar to gold plate except the base metal is always sterling silver and it requires a thicker layer of gold (at least 18 carat). This makes vermeil a much better choice for somebody who suffers from skin allergies to other base metals. Gold vermeil is a little more expensive (than gold plate over cheaper materials such as brass) as both the base and coating are of precious metal.
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What is Sterling Silver jewellery?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with a small quantity of harder metal (usually copper), to make it less soft and more durable. Sterling silver is ideal for jewellery as it is more scratch resistant and hard-wearing than pure silver.
How to care for Demi-Fine Jewellery:- Apply any skin or hair products before you put on your jewellery. The chemicals found in these products can be abrasive and cause silver to tarnish and gold to erode.
- Always remove jewellery when in the shower, bath, swimming pool or sea, as the water and moisture can cause oxidation.
- The chemicals found in sweat and oils in the skin can speed up the tarnish process. Remember to remove your jewellery when exercising and over night if you want them to stay shiny and bright.
- Store your jewellery in a cool dry place and try to keep pieces separate to avoid tangling. A jewellery box with anti-tarnish lining, such as acid free tissue paper, is ideal.
- Important: Always keep jewellery out of reach of small children.
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How to clean Demi-Fine Jewellery:
- To clean your jewellery, use warm soapy water and rub with a clean, soft cloth. Rinse with cool water and buff gently with a dry, soft cloth.
- A good quality silver cloth also works well but be careful with gold vermeil items as silver cloths can remove some of the gold coating and shine, leaving the item looking dull.
- Washing up liquid can leave pearls looking dull and losing their shine, so only use lukewarm water to gently polish any pearl pieces.
So that's it! If you follow these steps and look after your new demi-fine jewellery treasures, they can be cherished for a very long time as solid gold / silver pieces would be (and they would've cost you a lot less!).
Looking for more demi-fine jewellery inspiration / gift ideas? Head over to our online jewellery shop and shop our handpicked selection from the top independent, demi-fine and ethical jewellery brands / designers, bridging the gap between fashion and fine jewellery and always keeping sustainability in mind.
Whether you're looking for a unique piece to mark a special occasion, the perfect contemporary bridal jewellery or you simply want to treat yourself, you'll be sure to find that new treasure from our carefully curated selection.
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Shop our handpicked jewellery edit from top independent brands at www.lilyking.co.uk