FAQ
What constitutes British hallmarked silver?
Sterling Silver in the UK is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The copper toughens the silver and makes it possible to use for jewellery.
All of our silver jewellery is made in the UK from certified Sterling Silver. If our jewellery is over 7.78 grams in weight, a stamp is required to confirm its authenticity. This is done at the London Assay Office. A Louise Wade makers stamp is used plus a .925 stamp to certify its purity.
Does Sterling Silver tarnish?
Sterling Silver can be prone to tarnishing, although the process can vary depending on individual PH levels and environmental factors.
Tarnished Sterling Silver is caused by a number of common and natural chemicals, like sulfur (found in air particles around cities/industrial areas), moisture (if you live in a more humid environment), chlorine (swimming in pools or spas), and your individual skin acidity level.
Please refer to our Jewellery Care page for tips on how to keep your jewellery in tip top condition and looking sparkling at all times.
What is Gold Vermeil ?
Gold Vermeil is a premium style of gold plating which requires a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns of gold to cover .925 Sterling Silver jewellery. We use at least 3.5 microns on all our Gold Vermeil pieces
How long does Gold Vermeil jewellery last before the gold wears away?
The durability of gold plating can vary widely and there are two major factors involved:
1. Individual PH balance:
Our skin's chemistry is as unique as our fingerprint. This individuality contributes to the variation in how fast gold plating fades.
The acidity and composition of sweat, in combination with the pH level of our skin, can either extend or diminish the life of the gold plating.
People with higher skin acidity can experience quicker fading, as the chemicals in sweat can react with the gold on your gold vermeil rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. This is often why two people wearing the same gold plated ring may experience different rates of fading.
2. Exposure to moisture and chemicals:
Moisture and chemicals are bad news for gold plated jewellery.
Water, hand and body lotions, soaps and cleansers can speed up the erosion of the gold.
Please refer to our Jewellery Care page for tips on how to keep your jewellery in tip top condition and looking sparkling at all times.
Can you make your pieces in 18ct and 22ct solid gold?
Yes - It is possible to make all of Louise Wade jewellery in 9ct 18ct or 22ct yellow or rose gold and prices are available upon request. Please contact us for a quote.
What is rhodium and can you rhodium plate your items?
Rhodium is one of the world’s most valuable precious metals. It is silvery-white in colour and highly reflective. It is a very tough metal – the only way to dissolve rhodium is with sulphuric acid!
Due to its appealing silvery tone and incredible strength rhodium is often used for plating. White gold is often plated with a thin rhodium layer to improve its appearance while sterling silver is often rhodium plated for tarnish resistance.
All items of Louise Wade jewellery can be rhodium plated as an optional finish if required. Please contact us for a quote.