Sizing and Jewellery Care
Sizing
Because all rings at Sophie Divett Jewellery are made to order, you can specify exactly which size you would like. If you are unsure of your size, we recommend going to your local jeweller to be sized correctly. This is by far the best way to ensure a perfect fit. If you live in Christchurch, I am happy to size your fingers personally- contact me to arrange a time.Sophie Divett Jewellery uses letter sizes, which are the standard in New Zealand. The conversion chart below can help you to find your correct size.
Jewellery Care
All handmade jewellery needs to be treated with care to ensure it stays in good condition. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure your new jewels will last you through years of enjoyment.
Wearing
When wearing your jewels, try to avoid any hard knocks or scratches.Put jewellery on after making sure any cosmetics or perfumes you may also be wearing have thoroughly dried. This is especially important for pieces that have resin coatings or glues, as some chemicals in cosmetics might alter colours or cause glues to deteriorate.
Remove all jewellery before going swimming, cleaning, gardening or doing any activities where your piece is likely to come in to contact with water, solvents or dirt.
Oxidation
Some people find that certain metals can cause their skin to turn slightly green. This is more common with alloys such as bronze and brass, but can also happen with gold and silver, though it is less common. The cause of this is a chemical reaction between the acids in your skin and the metal of the ring, or between a lotion or liquid that has come in to contact with the ring. The green colour is not harmful in itself, but you can avoid or minimise this by keeping soaps, lotions or other chemicals away from your ring, and avoid wearing it while it is wet.
Storing
Store your jewellery pieces separately if possible to prevent them from unnecessarily knocking together or becoming tangled. A soft lined box or pouch is best.Keep your jewellery out of direct sunlight where possible, especially if your piece has coloured elements. Organic materials such as flowers or leaves may naturally change colour over time.
Cleaning
Clean your sterling silver, brass or bronze jewellery using a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild liquid dish soap. Rub gently with a soft cotton cloth or soft toothbrush. Allow to dry completely before storing.For pieces that have more delicate elements such as opaque stones or resins, wipe gently with a damp, soft cloth or polishing cloth.
If you feel uncertain about how to clean your jewellery, please do not hesitate to contact me, or alternatively, take it to a manufacturing jeweller who is likely able to use professional tools to clean it for you.
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