Silver and Gold Vermeil Jewellery
Precious metals are alloyed with other metals to make them more workable for jewellery. Fine gold and fine silver are both extremely soft on their own. All of the metals we use are hypo-allergenic, however, rare cases of allergies to these metals have been known. None of our jewellery contains nickel.
Sterling silver is marked 925, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloys. Silver can be tarnished by natural oils in skin and sulphur in knitwear, but a good clean with a silver polish cloth or silver dip will remove tarnish. Vermeil (22k gold over Sterling silver) should not be polished. It should be dusted with a soft cloth, cleaned gently with warm soapy water, or immersed in silver dip for a short time. The Vermeil may eventually wear-off; Dinny Hall can re-plate Vermeil items, please see our re-plating guide below for details.
Vermeil jewellery needs extra care so that the gold is not scuffed or scratched. It should be kept separately from other jewellery. Check earring butterflies are tight so as not to lose earrings, listen for 'click' with click post earrings and ensure catches are done up securely.
14k Gold Jewellery
14k yellow gold is marked 585 which is 58.5% gold and 41.5% silver, copper and zinc 14k white gold is the same but with palladium and silver. 14k and 18k white gold is coated with rhodium (in the platinum family), this means 14k white gold is indistinguishable from 18k white gold and platinum to the eye.
14k yellow and white gold can be cleaned in silver dip however always read instructions first as some gemstones such as labradorite, lapis, opal, turquoise and pearls should not be immersed.