Sterling silver naturally oxidises over time when exposed to air, leading to tarnish. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that can be easily managed with regular care. However, if left for too long, the piece may require professional cleaning.

How to care for sterling silver:

• Clean your jewellery regularly using a non-abrasive polishing cloth (Von Treskow cloths are available).
• Avoid contact with aerosols, perfume, detergents, chlorinated water, saltwater, and other chemicals, as these can accelerate tarnishing.
• Refrain from contact with spray-tan or self-tanning products, which can cause significant discolouration.
• Put your jewellery on last when getting ready to minimise exposure to hairspray, perfume, and similar products.

Gold plating involves electroplating a thin layer of gold onto a base metal, such as sterling silver. Von Treskow uses hard gold plating for added durability. While gold plating is beautiful, it can wear down over time, which is a natural part of wear and tear.

How to care for gold plated jewellery:

• Avoid contact with aerosols, perfume, detergents, chlorinated water, saltwater, or any chemicals that can wear down the gold plating.
• Prevent excessive rubbing or banging the jewellery against hard surfaces, as friction can erode the plating.
• Clean your gold-plated pieces gently using warm water and a soft polishing cloth. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which may wear down the plating.

If your gold plating wears down, don’t worry as items can be re-plated to restore their beauty. Remember, wear and tear on gold-plated pieces is normal and not a manufacturing fault.

Gold filled jewellery is crafted by bonding solid gold to a base metal, creating a durable and long-lasting finish. It looks and feels like solid gold and lasts much longer than gold plated pieces.

How to care for gold filled jewellery:

• Gently clean your jewellery with warm water and a soft cloth.
• As with all jewellery, avoid exposure to chemicals, including perfume, chlorine, and detergents, to preserve its finish.

Proper storage is essential to keeping your jewellery in pristine condition. Here are some tips to help protect your pieces from damage, tarnish, or wear:

• Store Separately: Keep each piece of jewellery in its own box or compartment to prevent scratches and tangling, especially delicate chains or soft gemstones.
• Use a Lined Jewellery Box: Opt for a jewellery box with a soft lining to protect your pieces from dust and scratches.
• Avoid Humidity: Store your jewellery in a dry place, away from humidity or damp conditions, as moisture can speed up tarnishing or damage certain materials. For sterling silver, consider using anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets to reduce oxidation.
• Keep Away from Chemicals: Avoid storing jewellery near perfumes, hairsprays, or cleaning products, as exposure to these can cause discoloration or damage.
• Remove Before Storing: Ensure your jewellery is clean and dry before putting it away to prevent dirt or moisture from affecting its longevity.
• Travel with Care: When traveling, use a travel jewellery case or pouch to keep your pieces safe and secure during transit.

Taking these steps will help preserve your jewellery’s beauty and keep it looking as brilliant as the day you received it.