The chemical reaction occurs when the metal of your piece reacts to non metal components, such as oxygen, sulphur, & other chemicals. This causes the metal to darken. Certain metals such as copper ca be very reactive to salt water, citrus, or even sulfur from packaging. Sterling silver is reactive to the air, also known as oxidation. The wear & tear on your jewelry depends on a number of factors & varies from person to person. These factors include -- Your Lifestyle When you are wearing jewelry, particularly gold-filled, contact with chemicals can happen daily & should be avoided in order to prevent tarnishing. Situations, such as washing your hands with soap, washing dishes with liquid soap, doing laundry, putting on body lotion, or spraying perfume, are all examples of lifestyle-related factors that can be harmful to your jewelry, causing it to tarnish. Level of Care Generally, the more committed you are about the care of your jewelry, the longer it will last. This applies to all jewelry -- even gold-filled jewelry, which in comparison to gold-plated is highly resistant to tarnish. Body Chemistry Your body chemistry plays a role in how fast your jewelry will tarnish. Changes in hormones can affect the rate of oxidation of your jewelry. Prescription drugs, like sulphur drugs, antibiotics, or antidepressants, may have the same affect. Some people have more acidic skin than others, due to diet or other mitigating factors. The range of skin's acidity, in general, tends to be very small, however, it can be a possible factor in why your jewelry oxidizes more quickly than a friend's. Sulfur & amino acids found in perspiration will cause discoloration either on your skin or jewelry. If your sweat is highly acidic, chances are, your jewelry will either change in color or fade when you perspire. Environmental Factors Acidity in the air, pollution, & humidity are all major factors in jewelry tarnish. To reduce the effects of environmental wear, clean your jewelry with a polishing cloth regularly. Do your best to keep jewelry away from moisture & sunlight, especially while you are not wearing it.

Always re-clasp your necklaces after you take them off - it helps prevent them from tangling. For Delicate Chain Necklaces If you are keeping multiple necklaces in the same baggie, prepare them for packing by doing the following -- Untangle all of your necklaces. On a clean, flat surface, lay them out one on top of another. Take 1 twist tie, loop it through the top of all of your necklaces. Fasten it. Take another twist tie & loop it through the bottom of all of your necklaces. Fasten it. You should now have a ring of different necklaces that are fastened at the top & bottom with separate twist ties. This will keep even the most thin & delicate necklaces from getting tangled in your bag.

The best way to contact a member of the Saul & Saul Designs Team is through the chat feature located in the bottom right corner of the screen. ⇥ If we are not at the computer when you message us, we will receive the message via email. You will receive our response via email, as well. Email is another preferred way of communication for our team. ❧ emily@saulandsauldesigns.com ❧ katie@saulandsauldesigns.com

Use a very soft brush to gently loosen debris. Soak items (except for pearls, emeralds, & rubies) in warm, soapy water using the mildest detergent. Use a drop of ammonia for clear diamonds & sapphires. Rinse with tepid water, drain, & pat dry. Polishing cloths are great for gently removing oxidation & small scratches. When using a polishing cloth on chain, make sure not to pull the links. It can put stress on links & weaken them. Rubles & emeralds are fragile. They should be cleaned with a dry, soft cotton cloth ONLY. DO NOT use a soapy water bath for them. Emeralds have an oil coating that can be stripped away by soaps & jewelry cleaners. Raw emeralds are oiled, usually with cedar oil, to brighten their color & give a smoother appearance to their surfaces. Pearls & unstrung beads should NOT be bathed in any kind of liquid. Use only a clean, dry, soft, white cotton cloth to gently wipe down the individual pearls & beads. Use a very soft brush to remove debris. Do not stretch the stringing cord. Sterling silver may tarnish if it is soaked for a long period of time. For more care tips for a specific metal - 14k Gold Fill, 24k Gold Plate, or Sterling Silver - see their respective sections on this page.

Always store your jewelry so the pieces are never touching each other. Jewelry against jewelry will cause scratches. Use double pocketed pushes or jewelry boxes with individual, velvet lined compartments to keep your items separated. Slip your pendant in one pouch pocket & drape your necklace chain in the other. You do not need to remove the chain. Store rings in separate pouch pockets, single pouches, or insert them into ring slots in your jewelry box. If rings with larger bands do not easily fit into the slots, do not force them. Use pouches or the jewelry compartments, instead. Store sterling silver in airtight plastic bags or wrapped in polishing clothes to reduce tarnishing. Do not use silver cleaner meant for silverware. It will remove the protective anti-tarnish material found on many silver items. The more you wear your sterling silver jewelry, the less it will tarnish. Use a polish cloth to gently remove tarnish. Do not put pearls or any other organic material bead in plastic bags. Do not hang your necklaces or bracelets on hooks on jewelry trees. It can cause stress on the clasps, chain links, & stretch stringing materials.

All of our silver jewelry is made with .925 Sterling Silver. All of our gold jewelry is made with 14k Gold Fill or 24k Gold Plate. The metal we use in each piece of jewelry is described in the "product description" found on the piece's respective product page. The findings (crimps, rings, crimp covers, headpins, etc.) & clasps are always sterling silver or gold filled to prolong the longevity of the piece. For more information on each type of metal, see their respective sections on this page.

There are a number of situations where you may need to add a note to your order. This can be done very easily, especially if you know what you're looking for. Add all your desired products into your cart, or "treasure." Once you have finished shopping, click on the button that says "Gather Your Treasure." This will bring you to the cart page, which looks like this. If you look under the product picture, you will see two icons, a coupon & a note, in the bottom left corner of the cart page. Click on the "Add A Note" icon or phrase. It will then prompt you to leave us a detailed message. Easy as that ♡

Thank you for your Saul & Saul Designs order ☺︎ It typically takes Katie & I 2-5 business days to process an order & ship it out to you. Once your order has been shipped you will receive a tracking number. If you have any questions or would like more detailed information, contact us via the chat feature of this site (in the bottom right hand corner) or through email. If your piece is “made-to-order” … Some pieces take longer to make than others. Those that require more time, such as the fringe earrings, will have a specified time period required for completion in the product description on their respective product page. We will send an update via email once your piece is half-way finished. This email will include the expected shipping date. If you are excited about your piece & want an update, go ahead & shoot us an email!

A flat $6 shipping rate is added at purchase.

Orders are processed & shipped from our Atlanta office Monday through Friday. Customers will receive a confirmation email with the order's tracking number once your purchase has been shipped. Our jewelry is handcrafted & made with care. Once you submit your purchase, please allow 1 - 2 days for order processing & potential construction before we begin the shipping procedure. Certain products, such as personalized jewelry, will take additional time. For more details, see the respective product page of the merchandise in question. Pre-sale items will be shipped on the item's release date. Again, this information can be found in more detail on the product page of the merchandise in question.

All orders over $100 (before tax) will receive free shipping.

We will send a confirmation email once your order has been shipped with the tracking number attached. You can also track your orders by logging into your account & clicking on the "My Orders" link on your profile's menu. If you don't have an account already, create one! The tracking number for your next order (& much more) will be a few clicks away!

Requests to exchange merchandise received as a gift must be accompanied by an order number or receipt. Product must be an unworn, undamaged product purchased at full price, or product received with manufacturing defects, to be eligible for exchange or refund. The gift recipient may exchange the piece for another of equal or lesser value or request a store refund for the product's original dollar amount. Refunds, however, will be issued to the original form of payment. Refunds will not be issued to the receiver of the gift.

To return or exchange an eligible item 1. Fill out the "Return or Exchange Request Form" found on the "Returns, Refunds, & Exchanges" page. 2. A Saul & Saul Designs team member will respond to your request via email with further instructions. ⚠︎ DO NOT send your jewelry in to Saul & Saul Designs without speaking to a team member first!

Yes, we will accept eligible, unworn jewelry within 30 days of order reception for a full refund to the original form of payment. You may exchange your piece of jewelry for an item of equal or lesser value. If the item you want to exchange is valued at a lesser amount than your returned item, you will receive a store credit for the difference. Ineligible jewelry includes custom pieces, those marked as final sale, BOGO, & permanently marked down jewelry for refund or exchange. To return or exchange an eligible item fill out the "Return or Exchange Request Form" found on the "Returns, Refunds, & Exchanges" page. A Saul & Saul Designs team member will respond to your request with further instructions. ⚠︎ DO NOT send your jewelry in to Saul & Saul Designs without speaking to a team member first! The refund process begins once we have received the jewelry you have sent in. If the piece is in pristine condition your order will be refunded same day as we receive it. We will not replace any items for any reason after 60 days from the original date of purchase.

If you have received an incorrect, defective, or damaged item please contact us via the chat feature of this website (located in the bottom right corner of the screen) or through our email at emily@saulandsauldesigns.com katie@saulandsauldesigns.com

Orders over $100 are eligible to receive a free return label when processing a return. Orders under $100 are not eligible for free returns. Customers choosing store credit as the method of refund will be eligible for a free return label. Other refund methods are not eligible for free return shipping.

If you purchased a piece of jewelry from us in-person & would like to return or exchange it, please fill out the Return Request Form located at the bottom of the Returns, Refunds, & Exchanges page. We will arrange a date & time to meet at Town Brookhaven to return the jewelry. Once we have received the jewelry, the cost will be refunded. Town Brookhaven is located at -- 705 Town Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30319

Yes, we do offer exchanges for merchandise. Please go to our Returns, Refunds, & Exchanges page to begin the exchange process.

If you purchased a piece of jewelry from Ace Hardware & would like to return or exchange it, please fill out the Return Request Form located at the bottom of the Returns, Refunds, & Exchanges page. We will arrange a date & time to meet at Town Brookhaven to return the jewelry. Once we have received the jewelry, the cost will be refunded. Town Brookhaven is located at -- 705 Town Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30319

It's easy - all you have to do is create an account! Visit the Rewards page & click "Enroll Now"

If you are signed in to your account, your points will be added immediately. If you completed a task & you were not signed in, contact us via the chat feature of the site (located in the bottom corner of the screen) or through email (emily@saulandsauldesigns.com). We will add the points manually.

Voucher codes may not be combined with other voucher or discount codes. Limit to one promotional code per order. Rewards points are not transferable.

Once you have earned enough crystals to claim a reward, click ‘Redeem’ to reveal your voucher code. This code will be entered at checkout to redeem your discount on your next purchase.

The ItSaul Rewards Program is an easy way for site members to earn points, or "crystals," which you can cash in for different rewards. Earn "crystals" by making purchases, becoming a site member, & subscribing to the email list. ⎆ Each week we will be adding different ways to earn points that relate to current events, shop happenings, etc. Rewards include percentage or dollar amounts off specific products, collections, or whole orders, secret sales, free shipping offers, BOGO offers, & more ⎆ New collections, seasonal/holiday gifts, & the like will be added when relevant. JOIN TODAY & REAP THE REWARDS ☺︎

If you used a voucher to make the purchase in question the original number of points you used will be credited back to your account. This applies to partial returns, as well. If you did not use a voucher, the points you earned making the purchase you are returning will be removed from your account. This applies to partial returns as well. We reserve the right to adjust your rewards for returns. Other restrictions may apply.

The points are called “crystals.” You can earn crystals many different ways, for example - 1 point for every $1 spent Subscribing to our email list Becoming a site member These are only a few of the many ways you can earn crystals. We will continue to add different fun ways, so keep checking back!

You can see all the points you have earned by logging in to your account & visiting My Rewards page.

If a gift card is associated with a customer account, then the customer can check the balance by using the link provided in the original gift card email. For customers without accounts, contact us & we will email you your remaining balance. Contact us via ・ the chat feature of our site ☞ located in the bottom right corner of the screen ・ email: emily@SaulandSaulDesigns.com

Gift cards can be purchased here. Simply choose the amount of money you would like to add to the gift card & add it to your cart. Please not that discount codes cannot be used to purchase gift cards.

Gift cards can only be used on www.saulandsauldesigns.com. The cards are delivered by email, which will contain instructions on how to redeem at checkout. The gift card does not have an additional processing fee.

Yes, there is a 30 day warranty on all chain & clasp defects. Email us right away to coordinate a timely repair. If it has been more than 30 days, or it is a different issue, please contact us & we will work with you towards a solution. Contact us via the chat feature of our site, located in the bottom right corner of the page, or through email: emily@saulandsauldesigns.com

Yes, we will ... ◇ Clasp repair or replacement ◇ Restring beaded pieces ◇ Repair chains with wire wrapped bead links ◇ Jump ring repair or replacement ◇ Replacement of tarnished or discolored chain ◇ Replacement of lost earring Repair not listed? Contact us via the Return or Replace Request Form at the bottom of the Product Care & Repair Page & let us know what needs to be fixed!

Unfortunately, tarnished jewelry is not eligible for repair. Tarnishing is considered natural wear & tear for jewelry. We suggest taking a peak at our Care Guide for tips on how to keep your jewelry looking shiny & new ✨ We can, however, replace the entire chain. If you are interested, fill out the form on our Product Care & Repair page & we will let you know what options you have for replacement ☺︎

Yes, we do! Fill out the "Repair or Replace Request Form" on the "Product Care & Repair" page. We will respond via email with a price quote & estimated time for repair, as soon as possible!

HOW TO BEGIN THE REPAIR PROCESS -- Fill out the "Repair or Replace Request Form" on the "Product Care & Repair" page. A member of the Saul & Saul Designs Team will respond to your email with a price quote & further instructions. ⚠︎ Don't send your jewelry until you hear from a Saul & Saul Designs Team member!

Yes, contact us via the chat feature on this website or through email! - Chat feature is located in the bottom right corner of this page. - Email us at ... emily@saulandsauldesigns.com katie@saulandsauldesigns.com

If it is a chain or clasp problem within the first 30 days of purchase, there is no repair charge! Repair cost & the amount of time needed for the repair are dependent on, but not limited to, the following factors ... ⇥ Which part of the piece is broken? ⇥ Which part(s) need(s) to be replaced? ⇥ How many of each part is needed? ⇥ What materials are these parts made out of? ⇥ How easily can the piece of jewelry be fixed? (i.e. Do we have to restring/remake the entire piece?; Can we fix it without deconstructing the piece?; How long will it take for us to fix it?) ⇥ Do we have the pieces needed to fix it in stock? Do we have to order anything? Once we have seen pictures & have a description of what the issue is with your piece of jewelry we will send a price or estimate.

The gold in 14K gold-filled is definitely real. There's a thick layer of real,. solid 14K gold on the outside of a brass core. The 14K gold that is on the outside of gold-filled is the same gold you would get from a solid 14K piece.

Yes. Gold filled jewelry does not irritate the skin because it steers clear of lead, nickel, & other irritating metals. Because the outside of the piece is solid 14k gold, it interacts with your skin in the same way solid 14k gold would. If you do not have any sensitivities to solid gold, you will find gold-filled agrees well with your skin. None of our gold-filled jewelry contains nickel.

Yes, but it won't last as long. Sleeping in your jewelry won't damage the gold-filled surfaces, but it may cause problems for delicate pieces, such as dainty chains, that can snag on the fabric of your sheets or night clothes. If you can remember to take your pieces off before bed, it will stay brighter longer. Taking your jewelry off at night gives you an opportunity to wipe them down after a day's wear to get the body oils off the surface, which helps extend the lifespan of your jewelry.

Gold-filled jewelry is a cheaper alternative to solid gold. It has the look of solid gold jewelry, but without the expensive price tag. Gold-filled jewelry has layers of gold alloy bonded to a metal core. Gold-filled is a layered material constructed in two or three layers. The base metal is brass more often than not, however, it can also be sterling silver or copper. ❧ Single clad gold filled jewelry has all of the gold material in a single layer on one side of the jewelry. ❧ Double clad gold filled jewelry splits the gold into two layers, one found on each side of the base metal. The gold is bonded to one or both surfaces of the base metal (or brass core) using heat & pressure. "Gold-filled" is a USA industry standard that legally requires 5% of the piece to be pure gold by weight. This translates to 1/20th, with 1 being the amount that is pure gold. Most materials are either 12k or 14k. It is most accurately labeled using the karatage, the "/" symbol, & then the 20 to reflect its construction. Products are identified as 12/20 GF or 14/20 GF using quality stamps. 12/20 GF reads 12k gold-filled jewelry & 14/20 GF reads 14k gold-filled jewelry. While gold-filled jewelry is cheaper than solid gold, it is actually more durable. With proper care, gold-filled jewelry can look shiny & new after decades of care.

Both gold-plated & gold-filled are popular jewelry metals, however, while they share commonalities, they aren't the same metal. Key differences between the two are the percentage of gold content used, as well as the manufacturing process. Gold filled metal consists of 2-3 layers of solid gold that is bonded or pressed to a base metal. These layers of solid gold can have different karatage -- 10K, 14K, 18, & 24K. Gold filled jewelry is typically a better alternative to gold plated jewelry. It won't tarnish & is much more durable than gold plated jewelry. You can begin to see some slight fading of color in gold-filled jewelry after about 20-30 years. Gold-plated metal is a more affordable option when it comes to gold jewelry. Gold plated jewelry is made from a process called electroplating. Electroplating is a process that uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cat-ions so that they form a thin coherent metal coating. This process normally uses brass, copper, nickel, or silver as the base. Then, a super thin layer of either 14K, 18K, or 24K gold is applied with electrolytes on that base. The layer of gold is so thin (less than 1% of the total weight of the item) that it can be easily scratched off from the base. Compared to gold-filled jewelry, gold-plated jewelry wears off easier. It can tarnish within 1 year of wearing & is definitely not waterproof. To keep it from fading for a longer time it should be taken off during shower or swimming. It's also beneficial to remove your jewelry during sleep. While sleeping the gold plated jewelry can rub against the skin & wear.

No, it can actually be good for cleaning gold-filled jewelry to shower with it on as long as you use mild soaps. If your shampoo & soaps aren't gentle, they may contain certain chemicals that can have a negative impact on the look of gold. If you're not sure, take your jewelry off to shower. Some examples of mild, gentle soaps include -- Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion Aveenobar Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash Purpose Soap Basis Oil of Olay Cleansing Bar Noodle & Boo Soothing Body Wash Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castille Liquid Soap

14K gold-filled materials are not supposed to tarnish for a long time. It's possible for gold-fill to tarnish under certain circumstances, but it should not tarnish easily. Gold-filled is an alloy, just like sterling silver, 9k, 14k, & 18k solid gold. It will tarnish if the wrong chemicals are left on the surface of your pieces. The following are some examples of what could cause tarnish -- Pools & hot tubs: Take your jewelry off before getting in! The chemicals used to kill bacteria in pools create a harsh environment for jewelry. These chemicals are even more concentrated in hot tubs! Sweat: There are lots of chemicals in your sweat, & depending on your personal body chemistry, or even medications you may be taking, sweat can be hard on your pieces. It's best to take jewelry off before working out or participating in activities where you might break a sweat! Beauty products: This is a big one! Try to minimize products that might end up on your jewelry. An easy way to do this is by putting your jewelry on last -- after you've applied hair spray, lotion, perfumes, etc. -- or by taking off your jewelry for certain activities. Sunscreen, perfume, unscented & perfumed lotion, hairspray, & (worst of all!!) cleaning products with bleach & nail polish remover, are all extremely harsh on your jewelry. However, compared to lower quality alloys, gold-filled can resist tarnish at a higher rate. Given more care, it will also last for a much longer time, compared to lower quality alloys, such as gold-plated.

No. There are very rare instances where certain people's body chemistry reacts with the 14k gold to leave a green residue on the skin, but this happens in approximately 0.001% of people, so it should not be a concern. Everyones body chemistry is different, & often times it's actually medications present in the system that react with gold to cause discoloration. While it is very rare, gold jewelry can turn your skin green or black after prolonged wear. This can even occur when wearing high quality materials. The discoloration is not caused by the jewelry itself, but by a few common external factors - it can even happen when wearing solid gold! Helpful tips for avoiding discoloration of the skin -- Always take off your jewelry before entering chlorinated water. When applying cosmetics, remove your jewelry beforehand & wash your hands thoroughly before putting them back on. Clean your pieces often.

After solid options, gold-filled jewelry is certainly your best quality for gold pieces. In theory, gold fill items can last a lifetime. Gold-filled jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry due to the thicker layer of gold alloy. Because the layer is so thick, its jewelry should last for years - even decades! Technically, the longevity of either is dependent on the wear, environment, & quality of the piece. Jewelry that is worn all day, every day, won't last as long as jewelry thats worn for a day or two every few weeks. Jewelry that is removed before showering & washing hands will likely last longer than jewelry that isn't. Pieces with harder gold will outlast pieces that are coated with softer gold. Some gold-fill jewelry still exists from the Victorian era, which over 100 years ago! Actual longevity will depend on how well you care for it, as well as a variety of other factors.

Gold-fill is your best option after solid gold for quality. Gold-filled is considered more durable than solid gold, even. It will not flake off or turn your skin green & offers a great option for people with sensitive skin. We only use the best USA made gold-filled components & stand behind our product's quality. Gold-filled jewelry can stay beautiful for a lifetime, especially with a little care.

Simply wiping your jewelry down with a soft cloth after each use is the best way to keep your gold-filled jewelry in the best shape. If you know it has been exposed to a bit more than the average day (for example, sweat, elevated level of skincare or hair products, etc.), rinsing it off with some warm water & drying thoroughly with a soft cloth will do the trick. Taking your jewelry off before you go to sleep will help it last longer, as well. A Day at the Beach If you know your jewelry has been exposed to even more than normal (sunscreen, heavy humidity, chlorine, salt water) or its just been a long time since you cleaned it, you can perform a deep clean -- Fill a bowl with warm water. Squeeze a tiny bit of mild, clear dish soap into the water. Let your piece soak in the solution for 5-10 minutes. Gently wipe your piece off with a soft cloth, or use a very soft toothbrush if you need to get into areas with a lot of detail. ** Rinse thoroughly, several times if necessary, to make sure all of the soap is off. Leaving soap on the surface can be more detrimental than this deep cleaning is helpful, so MAKE SURE all of the soap is washed off! Dry off the piece completely before wearing or storing your jewelry. ** Make sure your toothbrush is SOFT! A hard bristle toothbrush can scratch the surface of your jewelry! If your piece has developed a darker tarnish & needs a stronger solution than a warm bath, you can clean your piece chemically using a few different methods -- Polishing Cloths: Soft cloths that have a polishing compound already in them. There are many different brands, but any that say they are compatible with gold should be fine. The less abrasive the better. Be gentle! Don't buff aggressively. Harsh &/or excessive polishing can be damaging over time. Firm, but gentle, & only use as needed. You will know the polishing cloth is working when it starts to turn black. This dark color on your cloth is not all dirt/tarnish from the jewelry, it is simply the cloth being activated. Polishing Liquids & Creams: There are many different types of liquid & jewelry cleaners. Make sure to choose one that is meant for the type of jewelry you will be cleaning -- in this case gold cleaner for gold jewelry. Ultrasonic Cleaner: This is OUR FAVORITE way to clean our pieces. Ultrasonic cleaning involves the use of ultrasound waves to remove foreign particles & contaminants like oil, dirt, & tarnish. High frequency sound waves (20-400 kHz) are sent into the liquid media, which create alternating negative & positive pressure waves that develop micro bubbles as they move through the aqueous solution. These micro bubbles implode as fast as they are formed -- millions of times per second -- thereby producing great vacuum energy in the form of pressure & heat. This combination of pressure, heat, & the velocity at which the bubbles travel will knock the debris loose. These waves go deep into every nook & cranny of your jewelry, breaking up & dislodging the dirt, grim, oil, & other foreign particles on your piece & gently lift them away! The best part is that you can clean multiple pieces at one time! Simply add water & a few drops of clean dish soap to your machine & watch as it cleans parts of your jewelry that cannot be reached when cleaning manually! NOTE: Always check before chemically cleaning a piece with gemstones or pearls in it. It is usually safe to gently go over pearls & stones with polishing cloths (rinse them with gentle soap & warm water afterwards to make sure you remove any remaining chemicals), but never submerge jewelry with gems or pearls into a liquid or cream cleaner without checking compatibility first. Some gemstones & almost all pearls can be damaged by strong liquid jewelry cleaners!

Showering with sterling silver jewelry won't necessarily harm the metal, however, silver is a natural metal & therefore reacts with certain things. The water can oxidize the silver, meaning it is likely to tarnish & will start to darken because of it. Be mindful of the following when showering with sterling silver jewelry -- Chlorine, salts, & harsh chemicals Some water may contain chlorine & other chemicals that can damage the silver if you shower with it. 'Hard water,' has a high mineral content, making it more likely to affect the look of silver. If you know that your water is hard, you should definitely remove your jewelry before showering. Soaps, shower gels, & shampoo Sterling silver is a delicate metal & any strongly perfume or fragranced shower products may be too harsh for your jewelry. Dropping your jewelry in the shower You should always be wary of wearing delicate jewelry in the shower in case you drop it. A simple pair of studs or a dainty ring could easily wash down the drain & disappear forever! If you have showered with your sterling silver jewelry & the color has changed or the metal has tarnished, don't worry! Tarnished silver can be cleaned easily, especially if you act quickly when you first notice it. Polishing your sterling silver jewelry is the best way to restore it's shine & prevent further tarnishing.

There are numerous ways to clean sterling silver jewelry. The key to cleaning it successfully is to do so without damaging it or causing abrasions. Here are some of the most popular home remedies for cleaning sterling silver ... Soap & Water The most recommended & gentle way to clean sterling silver involves soap & water. This should be your first line of defense before trying anything else. Simply mix a bit of dish soap with warm water & dip a microfiber cloth in the solution. Rub the piece of silver with the soapy cloth & then rinse it with cold water. Finally, dry the piece of jewelry with a soft, clean towel. Laundry Detergent First, line the bowl with aluminum foil. Fill the aluminum lined bowl with boiling water. Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent with the boiling water. Stir until detergent has dissolved. Add the piece of silver jewelry to the water-baking soda solution. Make sure it touches the aluminum foil, which guarantees the chemical reaction happens. Let the piece of jewelry sit in the solution for 1-2 minutes. Finally, remove the piece of silver jewelry from the solution & let it air dry. White Vinegar + Baking Soda This cleaning agent is a great option for many things, including tarnished silver. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar + 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of lukewarm water. Let silver piece of jewelry soak for 2 - 3 hours. Remove jewelry from solution & rinse with cold water. Let air dry. Baking Soda + Water Many suggest using toothpaste to clean silver, however, we highly recommend you ignore that tip. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda & water. Using toothpaste on your jewelry was safe when they were simple, non-whitening, non-gel based pastes. Today, toothpastes include many more ingredients that may damage your silver. Instead, make your own paste from baking soda & water. Apply a small amount onto a cloth or soft bristled toothbrush. Scrub gently. Polish After you've given your jewelry a good cleaning, you can finish the process by using a polishing cloth that's specifically for sterling silver. You can repeat any of these processes as often as needed. The key to keeping sterling silver clean is to keep up with regular cleanings to remove tarnish as it builds. The more tarnish you allow to add up, the harder the removal process will be. While there are plenty of different methods to removing tarnish from sterling silver, we suggest these methods due to how gentle they are on your silver jewelry.

Yes, sterling silver is real silver. However, it is an alloy, which makes it 92.5% silver & 7.5% other metals (copper, nickel, zinc, etc.).

Here are a few simple ways to store sterling silver jewelry, so that it stays shiny & doesn't tarnish ... Use an air tight container Any container can be used to store sterling silver, as long as it is air tight. Oxygen is one of the main causes of the chemical reaction that produces tarnish, so you want to keep it away from your clean jewelry as best you can. Specialty jewelry bags are an attractive option, although zip-loc bags work just the same. Keep in a cool, dark place Sunlight, heat, & moisture accelerate tarnishing. Be sure to keep your jewelry in a cool, dark place. Store pieces individually Storing your jewelry separately keeps your pieces from scratching or tangling with each other Anti-tarnish strips Avoid cardboard, paper, or cotton filled containers for storage These materials may contain traces of sulfur, which will contribute to tarnishing.

We encourage you to live in your sterling silver pieces. Simply wearing your sterling silver jewelry will prevent it from tarnishing because your body's natural oils will cleanse the jewelry. Whenever you do take it off, store it in an air-tight ziplock baggie away from direct sunlight.

Sterling silver is an alloyed metal, normally made of 92.5% pure silver & other metals. It is popular because of its malleability & affordability, however, it tarnishes quickly because of its composition. If your sterling silver jewelry has darkened or appears dirty, then your silver has tarnished. Don't worry -- there are numerous methods to removing this tarnish, returning it to its original shiny appearance. Tarnish is the result of a chemical reaction with oxygen or sulfur particles in the air. With proper care sterling silver jewelry will last for years!

Pure silver is too soft to be found in jewelry. However, jewelers create "silver plated" pieces. To silver plate a piece, jewelers use a process called electroplating to bind a thin layer of silver to a base, usually copper, nickel, zinc, or another inexpensive metal. These pieces are distinguishable from sterling silver if you use the following methods for identification -- The easiest way to tell if something is sterling silver is its "hallmark" or stamping used to distinguish a metal's purity. You'll usually find these markings inside sterling silver rings & bangles, on the backs of pendants, or near the clasps of chain. Just because a piece does not have a stamp, does not mean it isn't sterling. Outside of checking for sterling silver marks, you can also identify it by its color when compared to silver-plated or pure silver items. Sterling silver is visibly lighter than silver plated jewelry, as the zinc or copper bases are typically heavier than the naturally light silver alloy. Why is sterling silver considered superior over the pure or plated silver options? Sterling silver's color won't fade over time. Silver plated will only last a few years, depending on your personal wear, before the plating will begin to wear off. Within sterling silver, you'll never have to worry about its silvery shine fading. As long as you clean & polish it, the color will last. Sterling silver is more expensive than silver plated jewelry because it doesn't have a cheaper name metal. Sterling silver jewelry is more hypoallergenic over time than some plated options, as it has a lower nickel content than plated pieces with nickel in their base. Once the nickel becomes visible through the plating, it is likely to make contact with the skin & cause a reaction in those with metal allergies. Sterling silver's resale value is high, as it is a solid piece of alloy versus a coated material. Finally, while both the silver-plated & sterling silver jewelry will tarnish, the silver-plated jewelry will tarnish more quickly. The oxidation process will likely accelerate due to its higher silver content. The sterling silver allow will still tarnish, but it can take much longer if the piece is properly cared for.

Does sterling silver have nickel in it? Typically, most of the 7.5% impurity is copper, but there is a chance for trace amounts of nickel in sterling silver. Is sterling silver hypoallergenic? Yes & no. While pure silver is hypoallergenic, sterling silver may contain nickel which is a common skin irritant. If you are allergic to nickel, it may be best to avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry unless you can 100% confirm with the jewelry that the sterling silver does not contain any traces of nickel. However, most wearers shouldn't have a problem with sterling silver jewelry.

Yes, gold plating is real gold, but because of how little gold is used, such jewelry doesn't hold the value of gold. The purity of the gold used in gold plating ranges just like solid gold. The lowest purity is usually 10k & the highest is 24k gold. When it comes to gold plating, the main difference in these types of gold is the color it produces, rather than the value. The higher the purity of the gold, the more gold-like the color is. However, the value doesn't change much because of how little gold is used, regardless of the purity levels.

This depends on the thickness of the gold & whether the piece contains metals that cause allergies, like nickel, zinc, & cobalt. In general, gold plating is not hypoallergenic & can cause skin reactions for people with metal allergies. This is because of the nickel content that is in the piece. When the gold layer wears down or flakes off, the nickel in the jewelry comes into contact with your kin, causing reactions.

Gold plated jewelry will remain bright & shiny for a longer period of time if you know how to clean & protect it from scratches or fading. Some people think because its gold plated it can easily be tarnished, however, the way you clean & wash your pieces of jewelry matter a lot. So, how do you protect your plated jewelry? Remove your jewelry before you swim in chlorine or salt water. Remove your jewelry before participating in activities that will cause you to sweat a lot. Wait to put on your jewelry until after you have applied lotion, makeup, or perfume. Remove jewelry if the appendage it is worn on will come into contact with something hard (ex. take your ring off before lifting weights). Store plated jewelry where it won't rub against other hard surfaces. Keeping pieces wrapped up individually in a soft material is ideal. Wipe your gold-plated jewelry after each use using a soft cloth or cotton ball to remove any dirt or debris. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold-plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth also helps restore shine. You may also soak it for a few minutes in warm, soapy water & dry it with a soft cloth as needed. Avoid brushing or rubbing plated jewelry, as this can make it flake, exposing the metal below. More tips for taking care of your gold-plated jewelries -- Do not spray on perfume or other sprays while wearing gold-plated jewelry. Wear your jewelry after you have sprayed on your favorite perfume so that the chemicals on the spray won't interact with your jewelry's metal. Keep your hands clean when handling gold plated jewelry. Try to wash them before putting on & taking off your jewelry. Wait until your lotion or cream is dry or has been absorbed by the skin before wearing gold-plated jewelry. Substances like oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, perfume, & the like may react with metal/plated jewelry & will cause it to tarnish easily. Sweat will cause a similar reaction, so make sure to remove your gold plated jewelry when exercising, swimming, or performing any heavy physical work. If your jewelry needs additional cleaning, you may soak your pieces for a few minutes in warm, soapy water & clean them with a soft brush. Stay away from jewelry cleaners & antibacterial soaps, which may have certain components that will make your gold plated jewelry tarnish more quickly. Keep gold plated jewelry from rubbing & friction, as this will cause the piece to wear down & to flake off. If your jewelry is tarnished beyond what a good cleaning can remedy, not all is lost. You can have your jewelry re-plated, or you can play or replace jewelry & other products with an at-home 24k gold plating kit.

Gold plating can fade & tarnish over time, losing its initial luster & brightness. This is common & can happen regardless of the quality of the piece. However, many people wonder why gold plated jewelry tarnishes. Isn't gold an inert metal that doesn't rust or corrode? The problem is often not with the plating itself, but with the base metal which is prone to corroding & oxidizing. Over time, the molecules of the base metal eventually move into the gold layer, affecting its appearance. If the gold plating is very thin, it will discolor & start to tarnish quickly. As mentioned above, this leeching can be avoided if the jewelry is first plated with nickel, which keeps the base metals from affecting the appearance of the gold. If this is done during the plating process, the gold is unlike to tarnish or fade.

Gold plating is meant to be permanent, but like all types of plating, it doesn't handle rough exposure well. Gold plating wears out over time & can flake off, exposing the base metal underneath. It also loses its luster & fades with time. In general, plating can last for up to 2 years with proper care.

Gold-plated jewelry an affordable option to buying pure gold jewelry. It gives you the style without the high price tag & is ideal for jewelry you don't plan to wear on a daily basis. It is composed of a base-metal, such as brass, copper, or stainless steel, that is covered through a plating process with a thin layer of gold. The result looks similar to a piece of solid or gold-filled jewelry. Once plated, it is almost impossible to tell real gold from gold plated jewelry from just looking at it. However, the thin plating often begins to reveal the underlying metal. This can result in discoloration of the jewelry, as well as of the skin of the wearer. Be that as it may, if you take care of your gold-plated jewelry properly it will last a long time. Plating is quite common in the jewelry world, with gold & rhodium being 2 popular types. This process was invented by an Italian chemist, Luigi Brugnatelli, in 1805. He was the first person to plate a thin coat of gold onto silver. Plating jewelry with gold is an easy process, but it requires several steps. The piece of jewelry must first be cleaned thoroughly & removed of all pollutants. This is very important as dirt & oil on the base metal will keep the gold layer from bonding correctly. Next, a thin layer of high-quality nickel is played onto the base metal. This is to protect the gold layer from being impacted by the base metal. The nickel layer also keeps the base metal from contaminating the gold liquid in the containers used for the plating process. For the final layer, the jewelry is dipped in the containers with gold & a positive electrical charge is used to fuse the gold onto the base metal. Once the gold plating thickness has been achieved to satisfaction, the jewelry is hung to dry.

We are so sorry, final sale items cannot be returned or refunded. If there is a quality issue with your product, contact us via the chat feature of our site or through email (emily@saulandsauldesigns.com) for an exchange.

There are a few reasons this could be happening - If the order is of sale items we do not allow additional discount codes. Some discount codes are made for specific items. If your order contains pieces outside of the promotion, the discount code will not be applied to them. You cannot apply more than one discount or promotional code to one order.

We’re so sorry, we cannot adjust prices for sales.