Jewellery Care & Sustainability

The Jewellery Care Guide

✦ Understanding Sterling Silver & Tarnish

Sterling silver naturally reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, which causes it to tarnish over time. Because genuine 925 sterling silver contains 7.5% alloy (typically copper) for strength, it can occasionally leave a harmless black or green mark on your skin, particularly with rings or piercing jewellery that you never take off.

This is a completely natural chemical reaction to individual body chemistry, humidity, or cosmetics—not a defect in the metal. The mark on your skin washes off easily with warm, soapy water.

✦ How to Clean Your Jewellery

Brighten the Shine: Regularly polish your jewellery with an impregnated silver polishing cloth to instantly restore its original lustre.

Regular Maintenance: If your jewellery or earring posts begin to dull, simply clean the piece using warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away surface oils and light tarnish.

Oxidised Finishes: If your piece features a dark, intentionally oxidised (blackened) finish, please note that this surface treatment will gradually fade over time with wear. Avoid excessive rubbing or harsh chemicals on these specific areas.

Deep Discolouration on Earring Posts: Because piercing jewellery sits inside the skin, the part of the hoop or post that stays inside the ear can occasionally develop a deep, stubborn blackening over time. This is a natural reaction and completely harmless. If regular soapy water doesn't remove it, it requires a professional studio abrasive polish to clear.

Studio Refurbishment: If your Victoria Grace jewellery needs a deep-cleaning reset, I offer a professional buffing and polishing service for a small fee to strip away stubborn discolouration and bring it back to a mirror shine. Please email info@victoriagracesilversmith.com to arrange this.

✦ Daily Wear Tips

To slow down the natural tarnishing process, try to avoid wearing your jewellery in chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs, or while using harsh household cleaning chemicals. We recommend applying perfumes, hairsprays, and heavy body lotions fully before putting your jewellery on.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword here; it is woven into every single step of the studio process. When you invest in a piece from Victoria Grace Studio, you are actively supporting a circular, low-impact economy.

♻️ Recycled Precious Metals

Luxury shouldn't cost the Earth. Every piece of jewellery is crafted using 100% recycled sterling silver and recycled gold, drastically reducing the demand for newly mined metals.

📦 Conscious Packaging

Your jewellery arrives thoughtfully presented in a beautifully designed gift box that is entirely eco-friendly. I use recycled materials for my boxes, business cards, and shipping envelopes.

Eco-Note: To reduce waste, multiple small items from the same order may be packaged together in a single box. If you are purchasing items as separate gifts and require individual boxes for each piece, please leave a note at checkout or contact the studio directly.

🇬🇧 Supporting the Local Economy

Every item is proudly made in Britain. By sourcing tools and materials from trusted local suppliers and using local postal services, we significantly reduce the energy and carbon footprint consumed by international transportation. Your purchase directly supports a network of independent British shops and small businesses.