To Preserve The Beauty Of Your Jewellery
With the elegance and beauty of gold, gold filled pieces are a long-lasting alternative to solid gold. Gold filled jewellery has a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal core through a mechanical bonding process. The layer of gold in gold filled jewellery is significantly thicker than in gold plated jewellery, making it more durable and longer - lasting. Gold filled jewellery is considered a higher quality and more valuable option compared to gold plated jewellery. It is more resistant to tarnish and wear, and its appearance can last for many years with proper care. Gold filled jewellery is often labelled with the karat of the gold layer (e.g., 14KGF) to indicate the quality.
- Safe for everyday wear, including showering and sleeping!
- Limit exposure to chemicals, including perfumes and lotions.
- Avoid wearing in treated water (pools, spas, etc.).
- Clean gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
- Avoid over-polishing to preserve the longevity of your special piece.
- Store in a dry place, preferably in a jewellery pouch or box.
- Avoid excessive friction to maintain its shine.
- With proper care, your gold-filled jewellery will stay beautiful for years!
Plating is a method of bonding a thin layer of liquid gold or silver to a base metal. At Margot Georgia, we only use 925 sterling silver as a base, which is then plated with 18K gold for a beautiful finish and for our solid sterling silver pieces, we apply a layer of plated silver to the base for a brighter finish.
In terms of plating thickness, to be considered 18K gold-plated, the layer must be at least 1 micron thick. For vermeil, the plating must be a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold.
The type of plating used will always be indicated in the product description, so be sure to check it to understand how your piece is made.
- Remove Before Activities - Always remove your 18K gold-plated jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising. Water and sweat can cause the plating to wear faster.
- Avoid Chemicals - Keep your jewellery away from cleaning products, perfumes, and skincare products like moisturisers and self-tanners. These can cause the plating to fade or discolour.
- Store Safely - When not wearing your piece, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a soft pouch or jewellery box to avoid scratching.
- Polish Sparingly - Use a soft polishing cloth to occasionally shine your pieces. Avoid over-polishing, as this can wear down the plating over time.
- Be Mindful of Contact - Prolonged contact with certain materials, like rough surfaces, can scratch or damage the plated layer.
- Understand Wear - Plating wear is natural and varies based on the wearer’s skin acidity and environmental exposure. It is not considered a manufacturing fault.
- Keep Dry - Avoid exposing your jewellery to moisture for long periods. This includes showering, swimming, and activities where it could get wet.
By following these care tips, you can help maintain the beauty and shine of your 18K gold-plated jewellery for longer.
18K gold vermeil is a type of high-quality gold-plated jewellery that features a thicker layer of gold compared to regular gold-plated pieces. To be considered vermeil, the jewellery must meet specific criteria:
- Base Metal - The base must be made from solid sterling silver (925), which is known for its durability and shine.
- Gold Layer - The jewellery is coated with a thick layer of gold, at least 2.5 microns (or more) in thickness, and the gold must be 18 karats, meaning it contains 75% pure gold. This gives it a rich, vibrant color and a more luxurious appearance.
- Durability - The thicker gold coating makes 18K gold vermeil more durable and longer-lasting than standard gold-plated jewellery. It offers a sophisticated shine while maintaining the affordability of gold-plated pieces.
- Quality and Value - 18K gold vermeil provides a luxurious look with high-quality materials without the high price tag of solid gold. It’s a popular choice for those who want the appearance of solid gold jewellery but at a more accessible price point.
Vermeil jewellery combines the beauty of gold with the strength and shine of sterling silver, creating a stunning and durable piece. It's perfect for those seeking elegance, luxury, and long-lasting beauty.
- Avoid Water & Sweat – Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising to prevent the gold layer from wearing down.
- Keep Away from Chemicals – Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning products can cause fading. Apply these before putting on your jewellery.
- Store Properly – Keep your pieces in a soft pouch or jewellery box to protect them from scratches and oxidation.
- Polish Gently – Use a soft, dry cloth to maintain the shine. Avoid polishing with rough materials or chemical cleaners, as they can strip the gold layer.
- Clean Carefully – If needed, clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not scrub or use silver polish.
- Minimize Contact – Remove jewellery before activities like exercising or housework to reduce exposure to sweat and friction.
- Be Gentle – Vermeil is more durable than standard gold plating but still requires care. Avoid bumping or rubbing it against hard surfaces.
- By following these care tips, your 18K gold vermeil jewellery will stay radiant and beautiful for longer!
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 sterling silver is a high-quality silver alloy used in fine jewellery. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This blend enhances the durability of silver while maintaining its signature bright, reflective finish.
Why Choose Sterling Silver?
Timeless & Elegant
Sterling silver has a classic, versatile shine that suits any style.
Durable & Long-Lasting
With proper care, sterling silver jewellery can last a lifetime.
Hypoallergenic
Perfect for sensitive skin, as it contains no nickel.
Great Value
Offers the beauty of precious metal at a more affordable price than solid gold.
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes, over time, sterling silver can tarnish due to exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. However, regular wear and proper care help prevent tarnishing. You can easily restore its shine with a polishing cloth or silver cleaner.
925 vs. Pure Silver
Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for everyday jewellery, which is why sterling silver (92.5%) is the preferred choice - it provides both strength and beauty.
Sterling silver is a timeless metal that offers durability, elegance, and affordability - making it a must-have for any jewellery collection!
Wear It Often - Regular wear helps prevent tarnish, as natural oils from your skin keep silver looking polished.
Keep It Dry - Avoid wearing your jewellery in the shower, pool, or ocean, as moisture can speed up tarnishing.
Avoid Chemicals - Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning products can dull silver’s shine. Always put on jewellery last when getting ready.
Store Properly - Keep your silver pieces in an airtight pouch or jewellery box to minimise exposure to air and moisture.
Polish Gently - Use a soft polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore shine. Avoid rough materials that can scratch the silver.
Clean Occasionally - Use a mild soap and warm water to clean your jewellery. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.
Separate Pieces - Store silver separately from other metals to prevent scratches and tarnishing reactions.
Remove Before Activities - Take off your silver jewellery before exercising, swimming, or doing household chores to prevent unnecessary wear.
If Your Sterling Silver Tarnishes
Don’t worry! Simply use a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver cleaning solution to restore its shine. For a natural cleaning method, create a paste with baking soda and water, gently rub it on the jewellery, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Following these simple steps will keep your sterling silver jewellery looking radiant and timeless for years to come!
What is Solid Gold Jewellery?
Solid gold jewellery is made from pure gold that has been alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. Unlike gold-plated or gold-filled pieces, solid gold is entirely made of gold, ensuring it maintains its value and luxurious appearance over time.
Gold Purity
Gold purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K gold being 100% pure. However, pure gold is quite soft, so it's often alloyed with metals like copper, silver, or palladium to create more durable jewellery. Common gold purities include:
- 22K Gold – 91.6% pure gold
- 18K Gold – 75% pure gold
- 14K Gold – 58.3% pure gold
Benefits of Solid Gold
- Durable & Long-Lasting – Solid gold does not tarnish or corrode, making it an investment piece that can last for generations.
- Hypoallergenic – Gold is naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Valuable – Because it's made of pure gold, solid gold jewellery holds its value and can even increase over time.
- Classic & Elegant – Solid gold has a timeless, luxurious look that enhances any outfit, from everyday wear to special occasions.
- Clean Regularly – Gently clean your solid gold jewellery with a soft cloth or mild soap and water to maintain its shine. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Store Safely – When not in use, store your solid gold jewellery in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratches and damage.
- Avoid Chemicals – Keep your jewellery away from perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning products, as they can dull the finish and affect the metal.
- Remove Before Activities – Take off your jewellery before swimming, exercising, or doing household chores to prevent unnecessary wear or contact with chemicals.
- Polish Occasionally – Use a soft, non-abrasive polishing cloth to restore the natural shine of your gold pieces.
- Avoid Rough Handling – While solid gold is durable, it’s still important to handle your jewellery carefully to avoid bending or scratching.
By following these simple steps, your solid gold jewellery will remain as stunning and timeless as the day you got it!
Caring for pearl jewellery involves the following key steps:
- Avoid Chemicals - Keep pearls away from perfumes, cosmetics, and hairsprays, as these can damage their lustre.
- Gentle Cleaning - Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt. Use a mild soap solution sparingly if needed.
- Storage - Store pearls in a soft pouch or cloth away from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Avoid storing pearls in plastic bags, as they need to "breathe".
- Wear Carefully - Pearls are delicate and can be scratched or damaged by rough handling. Put them on after applying cosmetics and remove them before engaging in strenuous activities.
- Re - Stringing - If you wear pearl strands frequently, have them re-strung periodically (every 1 - 2 years) by a professional jeweller to prevent strand breakage.
By following these simple care tips, you can maintain the lustre and beauty of your pearl jewellery for years to come.
- Keep Them Clean – Gently clean your stones with a soft cloth or a mild soap and water solution to maintain their sparkle. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Store Safely – Store gemstones separately in soft pouches or jewellery boxes to prevent scratching and damage from other harder materials.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Keep your stones away from perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning products, as these can damage the surface and dull their shine.
- Handle with Care – Avoid dropping or knocking your stones against hard surfaces. While durable, gemstones can still chip or break if treated roughly.
- Remove Before Activities – Take off your jewellery before exercising, swimming, or engaging in activities where sweat, chemicals, or rough surfaces might cause damage.
- Keep Dry – Exposure to water and moisture can weaken certain stones and their settings over time. Always remove jewellery before bathing or swimming.
- Polish Gently – Use a soft cloth to polish your stones gently. For deep cleaning, consult a professional to ensure your stone is cared for properly.
- By following these simple steps, you can keep your moissanites, cubic zirconia, zirconias, crystals, and gemstones looking brilliant and beautiful for years!