Jay Collective
Stainless Steel
Our pieces are made from medical grade 304 and 316L stainless steel. They are hypoallergenic, resistant to rust, oxidisation and are 100% recyclable.
Stainless steel is incredibly durable and able to withstand day to day activities without sustaining corrosion or damage. With a longer lifespan than Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated jewellery, this is our go to choice.
Stainless steel is also one of the only metals you can wear in water without worrying, though we do recommend wiping down with fresh water afterwards to keep it looking shiny.
We also suggest doing this if exposed to harsh chemicals or you are wearing every day to protect your pieces from the oils on your skin. A damp cotton or microfibre cloth will do the trick.
Storage; Keep pieces separate from each other to avoid dents in jewellery boxes or cotton jewellery bags
Sterling Silver
925 sterling silver is a soft and malleable metal, which is why it is favoured for intricate pieces of jewellery. Believe it or not you can avoid your Sterling Silver pieces from tarnishing by wearing them often. The oils in your skin can serve as a cleaning option for your silver pieces and keep them looking shiny.
Don’t fret if your pieces appear faded or discoloured as a quick clean will bring them back to life. In between wears its best to wipe down your pieces with a cotton or microfibre cloth and completely dry before storing. Humidity and sunlight can be damaging to sterling silver so it’s best to remove these pieces before playing sport, gardening or going into the water.
Storage; Store pieces individually in a plastic seal bag, a cotton jewellery bag or jewellery box out of the sun.
Gold Plated
Gold plating is a fine layer of 18-karat gold, coated around stainless steel or sterling silver through the process of electroplating. The quality comes down to the strongest base metals and these two are great options. Look out for base metals such as brass and copper as these are the metals you will find your fingers turning green from.
When choosing between gold-plated sterling silver and gold-plated stainless steel there are a few factors to consider. Sterling silver is a delicate base metal and takes a lot more time and care. Though if you want the shiniest piece 18k gold-plated Sterling Silver is for you. As Stainless steel is a stronger base metal it has the longest life expectancy.
Things to note, any gold-plated jewellery will eventually tarnish if not cared for properly, as will exposure to harsh chemicals and sleeping with your jewellery on.
How to keep your pieces looking beautiful
· If your pieces get really dirty gently washing them in a bowl of warm water with a small pump of mild dish soap and dry thoroughly.
· Wiping down after each wear
· Storing them in separate jewellery pouches or boxes
· If continuously exposed to water wash to fresh water and wipe down thoroughly