Julie Andrews Gemstone Bracelet

In this piece, we used a few different types of gold metals. The findings & extender are made with 14k gold filled metal. 

Gold filled is the highest quality alternative to solid gold. 

The gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal, making it extremely durable -it will not flake or rub off! Gold fill has the same qualities as solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost.  

 

While it’s name implies the metal is filled with gold, the gold is actually on the outside. The term refers to a thick outer layer of durable, pressure-bonded, solid gold that covers a base metal, usually brass. The USA industry standard legally requires 5% of the metal be pure gold by weight.  

 

Gold-fill is your best option after solid gold for quality & durability. It will not flake off or turn your skin green. Gold fill is nickel free & hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.  

 

Hypothetically, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime. Actual longevity will depend on a number of factors, especially how you care for it. For details on how to care for your gold filled jewelry, see the specified drop down menu below. 

 

14k Gold Fill jewelry is not supposed to tarnish, at least for a long time. However, it is possible for gold-fill to tarnish under certain circumstances, though it should not do so easily. Exposing your jewelry to chemicals, such as bleach, certain people’s body chemistry, chlorine (pools & hot tubs), salt water, sweat, & certain products, such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, & sunscreen. For more details, see our FAQ section or blog post on 14k Gold Fill. 

 

Ultimately, gold-filled jewelry is perfect for everyday wear because it can handle the wear & tear of daily life, & is very affordable. 

 

For more detailed information on gold filled jewelry, see our FAQ page & blog ☺ 

Miyuki Delica Glass Seed Beads have been considered the world standard for seed beads due to their high quality, brilliance, & uniform shape. They are sought after by fashion designers & bead artisans all over the world. Miyuki beads are known for how uniform they are - the edges & size are perfectly squared, lining up & fitting into place when used in beaded pieces.  

 

These particular beads are plated with 24k gold. It is almost impossible to tell solid gold from gold plated jewelry by just looking at it. Due to the bead's tiny size & glass base, the 24k gold must be painted or dipped to coat the bead. In order to keep your Miyuki beads in pristine condition, check out our care instructions in the information box below ♡ 

Miyuki Delica Glass Seed Beads are the highest quality seed beads available - sought after by jewelers & artists alike. While the 24k gold plated Miyukis are superior, they are a bit more delicate due to the technique in which the gold is bonded to the bead. 

 

The gold plating will never change or fade due to bright sun, time related factors, or cleaning. However, the plating may begin to deteriorate from contact with acidic materials or constant friction. It is important to take off your jewelry containing these beads in between events - you don't want to sleep, shower, swim, etc. with these pieces on.  

 

We have listed a number of ways you can prolong the life of your jewelry made with 24k gold plated Miyuki seed beads - 

・Clean your pieces relatively frequently. 

▹ Clean them at least once per year 

▹ Clean your most loved pieces every 3-6 months. 

・Use an abrasive free, lint-free, soft cloth or chamois to wipe your gold plate jewelry - in order to maintain its shine.  

▹ Start by gently rubbing the surface & then clean/spot treat as needed.  

▹ DO NOT use a polishing cloth - this will strip away the plating.  

・Need to deep clean your gold plated jewelry? Follow these steps: 

step one. Soak your gold plated jewelry for a few minutes in a solution of   [ lukewarm water + mild dish soap or detergent ] 

step two. Rinse & wipe your piece clean. 

step three. Lay it out to ensure it dries properly before wearing or storing it.  

▹ DO NOT use antibacterial soap - chemicals in the soap can cause your jewelry to tarnish.  

 

・Avoid unnecessary contact with water.  

▹ Take off your gold plated jewelry when swimming or showering.  

▹ Chlorine, salt water, & fresh water will damage your gold plate jewelry prematurely - dulling & eroding the metal. 

▹ Soapy water from your bath or shower will leave a thin film on your jewelry, dulling its shine. 

・Gold plated jewelry should be the last thing you put on. 

▹ Make sure to apply perfume, makeup, lotions, sunscreen, deodorants, hairspray & the like FIRST. All of these products contain chemicals that are harsh on any metal. 

▹ Certain perfumes have chemicals in them that will cause a reaction similar to oxidation. In Lamen’s Terms, it will cause your jewelry to turn black. While it is reversible, it can be shocking if you’re not expecting it. 

▹ Putting on your jewelry after you apply these products will prevent your it from any unnecessary contact with these chemicals. 

・Store your gold-plated jewelry in a jewelry box, pouch, or case to prevent tarnishing or fading.  

▹ This will keep your jewelry from being exposed to the elements, such as humidity & heat, which can speed up the tarnishing process, alter the plating, or cause them to become discolored.  

▹ Store your jewelry individually or keep them somewhat separated, so they do not bang up against each other, which would cause them to scratch or chip the finish.  

 

Ultimately, it is about keeping your jewelry away from the elements - water, sweat, salt, chemicals, & humidity. If cared for properly, gold plated jewelry will last on average 2-5 years. 

Gold is one of the most valuable resources in the world & will last a long time, as long it is care for properly.  

 

In theory, gold-filled jewelry should last a lifetime, however, it’s actual longevity depends a number of factors.  

 

Gold plated jewelry tarnishes more easily because the plating is a very thin layer of solid gold on top of a base metal, which makes the piece of jewelry stronger & less likely to bend. Over time, the base metal will come to the surface, causing the metal & the gold to discolor. Taking the proper steps can prevent this from happening, prolonging the life of your gold plate jewelry. 

 

Make sure to read the entire instruction, as there are some methods in this section that should only be used on your 14k gold filled chain. 

 

The following care instructions will prolong your jewelry's lifetime & keep it in optimal condition. 

 

Our pieces are relatively delicate & are not meant to be worn during harsh activities, such as sports, cleaning, gardening, etc.  

 

・Take your jewelry off when swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean.  

▹ Chlorine & salt water will degrade the metal, causing your jewelry to tarnish at an accelerated rate. However, wearing your gold-filled jewelry in the shower or bath is fine, as long you dry it off properly. 

 

・Apply makeup, lotion, hairspray, & perfume before you put on your jewelry.  

 

・Avoid excessive contact with sunscreen. The chemicals in sunscreen are harsh on most metals. 

 

・Take off your jewelry at the nail salon or when doing your nails at home. Nail polish remover is a harsh chemical that does not play well with gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry. 

 

・Take off your jewelry before participating in activities that will cause heavy sweating. Some people’s body chemistry (which is affected by many factors, including hormones, medications) is more harsh on jewelry than others. Only ~10% of people find their body does not pair well with gold jewelry, however, better safe than sorry! Removing your jewelry before working out, tanning, etc. will ensure it remains in pristine condition.  

 

・Remove your jewelry before cleaning. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, such as bleach, can degrade even the strongest of metals.  

 

・Clean your jewelry as soon as it starts to look dingy.  

▹ Soak your jewelry in a bath of lukewarm water & mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes.  

▹ Use a soft cloth to wipe your jewelry off, pat it dry, then lay it out until it is fully dry before wearing or storing it.  

{ DO NOT use a polishing cloth on your gold plated charms. This will strip the plating away ⇢ In order to maintain your charm's shine, use an abrasive free, lint-free, soft cloth or chamois to wipe them down } 

▹ Need to remove dirt from your chain's nooks & crannies? Use a soft brush, such as a child’s toothbrush, to loosen any gunk that has become trapped in your chain.  

{ DO NOT scrub your charms with this brush - only use it on the chain! } 

▹ Our favorite jewelry cleaning tool is the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, which removes dirt & grime by vibrating your jewelry in a warm water + soapy solution. Both your gold filled & gold plated jewelry can be submerged in this machine. 

 

For more information on how to care for your jewelry visit our FAQ page & blog ☺︎