Care Guide

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen a Quin & Fern treasure to add to your collection. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how to care for your silver jewellery, to keep it looking its best.

 

Tips for all silver jewellery

Moisture: Jewellery and excessive moisture don't quite see eye to eye! Remove your piece before diving into a pool, hitting the shower, or breaking a sweat during a workout. Silver tarnishes more quickly when exposed to moisture that isn't dried right away, and some types of gems can become damaged or fall out when immersed in water - particularly hot water.

Storage: Extended exposure to air speeds up the silver tarnishing process. We recommend storing your piece in a soft-lined, lidded box when not in use, separate from other pieces to prevent scratching. Bonus tip: A silica pack inside your jewellery box will help absorb any moisture.
 
Chemicals: To maintain the brilliant shine of silver, limit its exposure to substances such as perfumes, lotions, hair products, and cosmetics. This is especially important if your piece contains delicate gemstones. Making your jewellery the last thing you put on before you go about your day is a great habit - this way you won't spray your jewellery with any substances you put on.
 
Wear and Tear: We choose products that are made to withstand the occasions they’re suitable for. Though remember all materials, even sterling silver, can scratch, bend, and break with enough force. Avoid accidental damage by removing your jewellery before sleep, exercise, or activities where it could get caught, dropped, or crushed. A bit of care is needed when attaching and removing earring backings to avoid bending the earring post.

Cleaning: Keep your jewellery clean by wiping your jewellery with a soft, clean cloth - a microfibre cloth works a treat.

 

Tips for specific jewellery types

Some types of jewellery require specific care, to maintain the materials they're made from. You can find material specifics for each Quin & Fern piece in the ‘Design’ section of the individual product page. Here's how to care for them.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver is the most accessible precious metal and is used widely in a range of everyday jewellery.

Sterling silver is beautifully bright, durable, and in theory, can last for many years if it is properly cared for.

Unlike other precious metals like gold and platinum, however, even the finest sterling silver does tarnish, and requires regular cleaning to keep looking great.

Most of our sterling silver pieces are coated with Rhodium Plating to prolong its tarnish-free life. Simply wipe with a soft cloth to remove any debris.

Once its Rhodium Plating wears off, any sterling silver piece will eventually tarnish. The great news is you can clean it with a jewellery polishing cloth, or simply with warm water, dishwashing liquid and a soft toothbrush. Bonus tip: Be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards, because tarnish loves moisture + air.

Silver Toned Metal

Silver Toned Metal is sometimes more appropriate for particular jewellery accessories.

They also have a brilliant shine just like Sterling Silver, though they can't be restored to silver once the plating wears off or becomes scratched.

Take care with these pieces to avoid excessive scratching, and be sure to store them in a soft storage place when you're not wearing them.

Pearl Jewellery

Pearls are delicate gems and although they are suitable to be worn often, they do require a gentle touch.

It's particularly important to remove pearl jewellery before contact with water (e.g. swimming or showering), and chemicals (e.g. makeup or perfumes).

Store pearls separately in a soft compartment of your jewellery box to avoid scratching their delicate surface.

Mother of Pearl Jewellery

Mother of Pearl is made from the same material (nacre) as that give pearls their beautiful lustre, so requires the same care as Pearl Jewellery.