Jewelry Care
Our jewelry is handcrafted with care using only precious metals. Each piece is hand finished which makes them unique. We produce in small batches and color of plating may differ at times. Our jewelry is gentle on your skin; hypoallergenic. It won't make your skin turn green.
Gold Vermeil
How do you pronounce that!? We've got you: ver - may. Not to be confused with regular gold plating, vermeil is a much thicker layer. We at whatnotz.com use 14k or18k gold layered on sterling silver with a minimum of 2.5 microns. With good care your jewelry should last a very long time. Please note that with wear, the layer of gold will eventually wear off and expose the sterling silver underneath. Varying from 6 months to a couple of years depending on skin type and wear. After some time, you can take it to a good jeweller in your area and have it re-plated.
Pssst! We've tried and tested many times our jewellery with sweat, water and our beautiful ocean in Barbados and the pieces have not tarnished, in case you were worried. As we know also many of you don't like taking your pieces off when going to the beach and sleeping. However, please know this is at your own risk and a change in color and wear and tear will not warrant an exchange. Over time your pieces will change color, which is totally normal process of gold vermeil.
Care
- Sweat and water, no thank you. Before exercising or showering, remove your vermeil jewelry, it only takes a minute. From time to time, clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft dry cloth to remove dust, dirt and oils that it has acquired from wearing them daily. Please also remove your jewelry while sleeping, as it puts unnecessary strain on it.
- To preserve its plating properties avoid contact with cleaning agents, beauty products, oils, and chemicals. Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on while getting dress and ready. Additionally when you are rotating your jewelry pieces and won't be wearing it for a while, we strongly suggest to wash your jewelry with lukewarm water and a mild soap, make sure it is completely dry and store in an air tight plastic pouch. One is always provided when you purchase a whatnotz piece, keep it as it comes in handy.
Sterling Silver
We use only .925 Sterling Silver for all our jewelry. In an effort to become more sustainable and because we care about our planet: 40% of our collection is made of recycled .925 sterling silver. Same quality ~ less harm to our planet. We plate our silver with rhodium, which gives it extra shine and durability. Rhodium is one of the costliest precious metals due to its rarity and also makes it hypoallergenic.
Care
- Avoid water when wearing your piece, because over time the sterling silver will oxidize.
- However, the oils in your skin help keep sterling silver from oxidizing faster. So, wear often, and keep your piece in your Whatnotz pouch to keep oxygen at bay.
Stones
We use Cubic Zirconia instead of diamonds, as we believe it is better alternative, cost wise and also for the planet. Same look better for your wallet and the environment.
Gold plating
We plate with 14k or 18k over sterling silver. This type of plating is made with a 1micron layer of gold and when properly taken care of can last a long time.
14K Solid Gold
When properly cared for, our 14K solid gold pieces can last forever. With its beautiful, subtle hue, 14k gold will not oxidize or discolor, so you can wear your jewelry every day, everywhere. To keep your 14k gold jewelry looking its best, be mindful of how you wear it. Any physically challenging activity could impact your jewelry.
Care
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When not being worn, store your jewelry in a safe, dry place to protect it from the elements of daily exposure.
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While 14k gold is made to last a lifetime, it does require gentle care and occasional polishing.
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To maintain the shine of your jewelry, gently clean it with a soft-bristled brush or cloth using warm water and detergent-free soap.
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Don’t use abrasive cleaners.
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Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use on 14k gold jewelry.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel jewelry is an affordable and versatile material. And yes! Stainless steel jewelry will not only resist tap water; it can also withstand rain and many types of liquids. So, if you accidentally get it wet, wipe it off. The only thing you should avoid is wearing your stainless steel jewelry while swimming in sulfur baths, please be mindful of that. It can complement and enhance most outfits and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It's also a good choice if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to other metals. With the right care and regular cleaning, however, you can enjoy your stainless steel jewelry for years.
Titanium Steel
Our Titanium Steel pieces are plated with 18K gold and are waterproof. They are still prone to scratching so we suggest to rinse with clear after a sea bath! You can polish them from time to time to restore shine.
Nylon Cords
Our 100% Nylon are waterproof and perfect for those with an active lifestyle. For People of Barbados ONLY we offer a change of cord after it has been worn out by island weather or you simply if you want to change the color, a small fee incurs. Please contact us: info@whatnotz.com