Frequently asked Questions and Care Instructions for your Jewelry...
Gold -filled wire, sometimes called rolled gold, is a wonderful choice for wire jewelry makers. It is appropriate for all types of jewelry. For most people, it will last their entire lifetime without showing signs of wear. It is made by forming a tube of gold and filling the tube with a base metal, usually jeweler's brass. The gold content is 5% or 1/20 of the total wire. Gold-filled wire for jewelry offers an affordable, durable choice at a fraction of the cost of solid karat gold. It is generally available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and tempers in white, yellow (traditional) and rose gold colors.
A Few Facts about 14kt Rolled Gold Wire (Gold-Filled Wire)
14/20 Rolled Gold Wire creates high fashion jewelry at a fraction of the cost of solid gold and sells extremely well because of the fascination with gold. There is 100 times more gold in 14k Rolled Gold (gold filled) than in gold plate. A 14/10 Rolled Gold is usually used for pendants, pins, collars, bracelets, and small rings. Gold filled wire is available in 10k, 12k, and 14k, being the best quality and most durable. In the symbol 14.20, the 14 stands for the karat of gold used, and the 20 means 1/20. Basically, gold-filled wire is a good metal for a good price. It should always be represented properly and never misrepresented to your customer as solid gold. I collect old wire jewelry pieces and have several with actual dates on them. I show my customers these items to illustrate that gold-filled jewelry can stand the test of time. *the above information is from Preston Ruther, Master Sculpture.
Care of 14k Rolled Gold Jewelry
How do you take care of Rolled Gold Jewelry? It's easy. Just care for it as you would any other jewelry. It is quite durable. A simple inexpensive way to clean rolled gold jewelry (gold fill) is to soak it for a minute or two in a mind solution of ammonia and water or a commercial liquid jewelry cleaner. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water afterwards and let dry. ***PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOUR SETTING INCLUDES A STONE THE CARE MAY BE DIFFERENT. I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND CONNOISSEURS JEWELRY LINE OF CLEANERS FOR MOST OF MY ITEMS. REMEMBER TO CHECK THE SAFETY FOR YOUR STONE WITH THE CLEANER. I OFTEN USE THEIR DELICATE JEWELRY CLEANER ON TURQUOISE, PEARL AND ONYX ITEMS.
Because of the nature of wire sculpture, you piece should be stored in a cotton filled box, or, ziplock bag or a special pouch , separately from your other jewelry. This will cut down on tarnish and keep it from being scratched by other jewelry. Plus it reduces the chance of a wire being pulled by being connected to another piece of jewelry. Remember this is NOT gold plate and in many cases is handed down from generation to generation. It is not unusual to find a old gold filled pendant that is nearly 75 years old!
Sterling Silver Jewelry Care
(1) Sterling Silver tarnishes from the interaction of silver and sulfides in the air. First the tarnish will take on a golden hue, and eventually, it will turn the piece black. This is a natural process. Higher sulfide levels are associated with humidity and/or air pollution. Remember, the more humid the climate, the faster sterling silver will tarnish.
(2) Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth. Chemically treated Sterling Silver Cleaning Cloths make the job a lot faster and easier.
(3) Sterling silver dips are fast and easy. However, be careful! When using a Silver Dip, it is better to do an in-and-out dip (10 to 15 Seconds) then rinse and dry, then another quick in-and-out-dip, then rinse and dry, than to leave the piece in the solution for a long time. We recommend using Connoisseurs� Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner. Any dip, however is a last resort. The piece would have to be very difficult to buff up with a soft cloth.
(4) When cleaning gemstone beaded jewelry , immerse them in warm, soapy water, and scrub gently with a soft brush. Then rinse them and lay them on a soft towel to dry. Avoid dips. They leave residue deposits between each bead, and make the necklace stiff.
(5) Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry that includes Gemstones within the piece . We recommend Chemically treated Sterling silver cleaning cloths. The chemicals in the Sterling Silver Cleaning Cloth won't hurt the stones. Silver dips should be avoided. Stones like black onyx, turquoise, malachite, lapis and the like do not survive long when cleaned with Sterling Silver Cleaning dips. A lot of their shine comes from an oily polish which is dissolved by the dips.
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When cared for properly, your fine quality sterling silver jewelry will last a lifetime. Simply wearing your sterling silver jewelry helps prevent, or at least slow, the oxidation process keeping your jewelry looking new. To minimize scratches, and prevent tarnish when not wearing, sterling silver jewelry can be stored in cloth pouches, small zip lock bags, or in your jewelry box.
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