Jewellery Care

Jewellery Care

Our Jewellery is handcrafted using the finest, ethically sourced materials and designed for everyday wear. We put a lot of consideration into the materials we use. Our pieces are made to withstand real life, and with proper Jewellery cleaning, they will continue to shine. All of our sterling silver pieces are hallmarked with “925” due to their sterling silver core.
 
STERLING SILVER
All Pratham Silver’s sterling-silver pieces are plated with pure Rhodium. This luxurious member of the platinum family provides an extremely tough and protective layer against tarnishing for durability. Pratham Silver’s sterling- silver pieces are stamped with the 925 hallmarked and cadmium and lead free - indicating the purity of the metal - and are also tested at the Assay office.
 
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELLRY?
Always store your Jewellery pieces individually, preferably in your Pratham Silver soft-lined box or pouch so that they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle. Particular care should be taken with gemstones to ensure that they do not knock against one another when stored. Also remember to keep your chains fastened so they don’t become tangled. Living in a humid environment? Store your Jewellery with a small packet of desiccant crystals to help reduce tarnishing.
Your silver Jewellery should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. With time and wear the sterling silver will naturally become oxidised and eventually 
tarnish. Storing silver Jewellery in a sealed plastic bag or airtight box when it is not being worn will keep out the air that causes oxidation. The oxidation process is also slowed down by wearing your Jewellery often. If however your Jewellery is stored for
long-periods of time, occasional cleaning is recommended to maintain shine and keep oxidation at bay.
Your Jewellery is particularly susceptible to damage from the effects of chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, make-up, nail polish remover, body oils, sun tan lotion and deodorant.
Do not keep Jewellery in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause many gemstones to fade and lose their colour. Amethyst, rose quartz, chalcedony and smokey quartz are just some of the gemstones that can become paler from exposure to sunlight.
 
HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY JEWELLERY?
Clean your Jewellery carefully with a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois; this helps maintain or bring back its shine. If necessary, you can use a mild washing up liquid with warm water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid using ‘dip’ polish or abrasive Jewellery cleaners as these contain harsh chemicals and can destroy your Jewellery over time. We do not recommend the use of any Jewellery polishing cloths which have been treated with cleaners or polishing agents.
 
WHAT CAN ERODE OR DULL MY JEWELLERY?
Do not swim or shower while wearing silver Jewellery, and remove rings when washing your hands. Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling or eroding them. Silver is particularly susceptible to damage from chlorine, which can permanently damage or 
discolour them. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.
Some stones can also be quite porous (such as turquoise and lapis lazuli), which is why you shouldn’t leave these kinds of stones immersed in water for too long.
Liquids and oils can seep into the gems through the tiny cracks between the crystals, causing permanent discolouration and damage. In addition, porous gems should not be worn to a beach or other hot, extreme environments.